Othman bin Wok
Singapore
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1958, the Land Office has been administering the Singapore Badminton Hall on trust for the Singapore Badminton Association. The Ministry of Social Affairs had been looking into the possibility of the Singapore Sports Council taking over the Singapore Badminton Hall.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are no plans to expand the seating capacity of the National Stadium. The present structure can accommodate 60,000 people. The development plans for Phase II of the National Stadium Complex have been abandoned. SINGAPORE BADMINTON HALL (Take-over by Singapore Sports Council) 22.”
“Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) whether the Sri Rama temple which has been existing for more than 31 years in Changi Village will be allowed to remain on the present site in view of its significant importance of being the only one of its kind in Singapore as well as in the whole of South East Asia; and (b) if so…”
“I have already mentioned previously in this House that my Ministry is setting up a coordinating committee of officials from various Ministries and departments to see what can be done for these cases. I would like to assure the hon.”
“Sir, I am not aware of this temple in Changi and I am also not aware that it is going to be pulled down, or whether it is to be preserved and thus allowed to continue its activities.”
“I have had such requests since the early sixties but on each occasion I have been unable to bring about the operation of this part of the legislation mainly because of two reasons: (i) the tremendous amount of cost that would have been involved; and (ii) it is felt that all prosecutions, being supervised by the Attorney-General, would onl…”
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“The Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura supports the policy of the Government in building one new mosque in each new town where the Muslim population is sufficiently large and agrees that this is the most practical way to meet the religious needs of the Muslims as they are resettled in the new towns. For the benefit of Muslims living in the new towns. the new mosques to be built under the Mosque Building Fund Scheme will have facilities for educational, cultural and social activities besides religious programmes. The mosques will generally have a library, a hall for social gatherings and rooms for educational purposes. The concept of a large and modern multi-purpose mosque to serve all Muslims within a satellite town is a new and bold one. I hope that the new mosques will become the hub of community life for Muslims, and there will be maximum utilisation of the facilities for constructive and positive objectives. Through religious guidance given in mosques, we should be able to teach young people the right values and proper attitudes necessary for the continued well-being of everyone. Seen in this way, the Mosque Building Fund Scheme is a translation of a social ideal into reality. BILL INTRODUCED 3.00 p.m. SINGAPORE LABOUR FOUNDATION BILL "to provide for the establishment of the Singapore Labour Foundation and for matters connected therewith". presented by the Minister of State for Labour (Mr Sia Kah Hui): read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. NATIONAL MARITIME BOARD (AMENDMENT) BILL Order for Second Reading read. 3.01 p.m.”
“The decision to increase the rate of contribution is made after consultations with Muslim Members of Parliament and the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura. They support the increase and are confident that it will have the support of Muslims. The Majlis reported receiving requests from Muslims to increase the rate of contribution to speed up the mosque building programme to meet the needs of Muslims who are resettled in the new towns. While it is compulsory for every employer of a Muslim employee to pay contributions to the Fund on behalf of his employee through the Central Provident Fund Board and to recover such contribution from the wages, Muslims who are financially unable to afford to contribute may either opt to contribute 50 cents or nothing. Muslims wishing to exercise this option will have to file an application for a Certificate of Option valid for a period not exceeding 12 months with the Majlis. This is a very simple process. Similarly, Muslims who wish to contribute more than $1 can notify their employers by submitting a Notification Form to state the desired amount for a period of six months. The Notification Form can be obtained from the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura or the employers. The Majlis will continue to appoint its own agents to collect contributions from Muslims who are employers or are self-employed, since they do not have CPF accounts. The Central Provident Fund Board will be the collecting agent for contributions payable in respect of Muslim employees. Mr Speaker, Sir, the building of mosques is a logical outcome of Muslims moving into new towns.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the House may recall that in September, 1975, the Administration of Muslim Law Act was amended for the implementation of the Mosque Building Fund Scheme. The objective of the Scheme is to ensure a steady source of funds for mosque building purposes. Under this Scheme, all employers are required to pay a 50-cent contribution per Muslim employee per month to the Fund and to recover the contributions from the wages of their Muslim employees. Since the Scheme started in May, 1975, contributions to the Fund have averaged 108,000 persons monthly and the average monthly collection is $68,000. The first mosque built under the Scheme at Toa Payoh was officially opened on 8th April 1977 and the second mosque at Queenstown will be completed in September 1977. The third mosque at Jurong is scheduled for completion in early 1978 and sites have been reserved for mosques at Woodlands, Bedok/Chai Chee and Ang Mo Kio New Towns. A total of six mosques will be built under the first phase. As more and more Muslims are moving into new towns, it is necessary to build additional mosques. Over the course of the next few years, mosques costing approximately $1.5 million each will be built in HDB new towns in Tampines, Nee Soon, Bukit Batok and Clementi. This will be the second phase of the mosque building programme. It is obvious that more funds will be required to ensure the early completion of these mosques. Mr Speaker, Sir, it has been decided to increase the Mosque Building Fund contribution from 50 cents to $1 per month with effect from 1st July 1977. The increase is necessary to ensure the availability of funds for the mosque building programme.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the site of the Sri Rama Temple is affected by the Changi Village Re-development Project, and according to the development plans of the Housing and Development Board, this temple was to be demolished in early 1976. Under the comprehensive re-development plans for the area, both sides of the Changi Road will be developed and a PWD Extension of Kuala Loyang Road Scheme will affect the temple site. My Ministry officials met the Sri Rama Management Committee and the Hindu Advisory Board on a number of occasions on this matter. Originally, the proposal was to remove the temple to a disused Tamil school at Wing Loong Road. However, this proposal does not seem to be feasible because the school site will be affected by a JTC Changi Industrial Estate Project in 1980. The Hindu Advisory Board will liaise with the Sri Rama Temple Committee to remove the idols to another Hindu temple. If necessary, the Joint Hindu Temple Management Committee, set up under the Chairmanship of the hon. Member for Anson, Mr P. Govindaswamy, will consider the need to build a Hindu temple in Bedok New Town to house the idols of the Sri Rama Temple and a few other Hindu temples affected by development. SERANGGONG DISTRICT (Resettlement at Lot No. 26-2 Mukim XXII) 25. Mr Tan Cheng San asked the Minister for Law and the Environment when resettlement will take place at Lot No. 26-2 Mukim XXII in the district of Seranggong.”
“Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for Social Affairs (a) whether the Sri Rama temple which has been existing for more than 31 years in Changi Village will be allowed to remain on the present site in view of its significant importance of being the only one of its kind in Singapore as well as in the whole of South East Asia; and (b) if so, whether permission will be given for the rebuilding of the temple on the same site.”
“The objectives of the Unit are as follows:- (a) to carry out regular inspections and tests on fire-fighting and fire protection facilities of commercial type high-rise buildings: (b) to maintain up-to-date record of high- rise buildings; (c) to liaise closely with the Building Control Division and the Commissioner of Buildings to ensure that deficiencies and faults in fire protection systems are reported and rectified; (d) to collate technical information on high-rise buildings and provide feedback to the Brigade's Operational Command and Communication Control Centre; (e) to plan and organise training and evacuation programmes for fire safety personnel working in high-rise buildings; and (f) to draw up fire safety plans and formulate guidelines for occupants of high- rise buildings. A Fire Service Bill will be introduced in the near future to give the Chief Fire Officer wider powers, including powers to abate fire hazards in high-rise buildings and premises of special risks. New equipment have also been purchased to strengthen the Brigade's operational efficiency. During the past three years, the Brigade purchased equipment amounting to more than $2 million. They include a breathing apparatus vehicle, one mobile control unit, five heavy water tenders, six light water tenders, one emergency tender, one high expansion foam generator and one life-saving air cushion. In addition, one 30- metre snorkel and two 30-metre turntable ladders have been ordered at a cost of $1.3 million. I would like to assure the hon. Member for Alexandra that the Singapore Fire Brigade will constantly review their facilities and training programmes to prepare for the new dangers of fighting and preventing fires in high-rise buildings. SRI RAMA TEMPLE (Demolition) 24.”
“Regular fire drills are held in high-rise buildings to familiarise them with the structural layout of the building and the in-built fire protection facilities. A Search and Rescue Squad was formed in February 1975 to conduct search and rescue in high-rise buildings. The Squad consists of 50 officers who were handpicked to undergo rigorous training in various methods of fighting fires in high-rise buildings. Studies have been made in co-operation with Mindef Air Staff on the possibility of using helicopters for rooftop aerial evacuations. The Alouette helicopter is of limited use for this purpose. There are also technical difficulties in rooftop landings. Further studies are being made whether the larger Bell search-and-rescue helicopter of the RSAF would be a more suitable aircraft. In a high-rise fire, it would be safer to descend through the protected staircases rather than ascend to the rooftop where heat and smoke, or other conditions might make it impossible for rescue to be effected. In order to improve their fire prevention efforts in high-rise buildings, the Brigade set up a High-rise Unit on 28th October 1976.”
“Sir, the Member's suggestion will be looked into. SINGAPORE FIRE BRIGADE (Fire-fighting in high-rise buildings) 23. Mr Tan Soo Khoon asked the Minister for Social Affairs, in view of the large number of high-rise office complexes in Singapore, what steps have been taken by the Singapore Fire Brigade to adequately equip itself and to train its personnel to fight fire in such buildings. Encik Othman bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Fire Brigade is fully aware of the dangers of high-rise fires. The prevention of such fires depends on the built-in facilities in high-rise buildings such as automatic sprinklers, fire detectors, wet and dry rising mains, protected staircases for escape purposes, ventilated lobbies and fire lifts for use by firemen in emergencies, hose reels and extinguishers and the use of non- combustible building materials to control spread of fire. Although the fire regulatory functions have been transferred to the Building Control Division since 1st August 1973, the high standards of fire prevention advocated by the Brigade have been maintained through the Fire Precautionary Code which was prepared by the Building Control Division in consultation with the Singapore Fire Brigade. We can, therefore, rest assured that all the high-rise office and commercial complexes in Singapore are adequately equipped with in- built fire protection facilities. The provision of such facilities is very important to the Fire Brigade because high-rise fires must be fought from within the building using such facilities. It would not be feasible to fight a high-rise fire by conventional methods as our high-rise buildings tower beyond the height of the tallest fire service ladders. Firemen of all ranks are now given specialised training for fighting high-rise fires.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1958, the Land Office has been administering the Singapore Badminton Hall on trust for the Singapore Badminton Association. The Ministry of Social Affairs had been looking into the possibility of the Singapore Sports Council taking over the Singapore Badminton Hall. Agreement has already been reached between the Singapore Sports Council and the Singapore Badminton Association, and it is expected that the Singapore Sports Council will take over the management of the Singapore Badminton Hall by 1978. Mr Ng Yeow Chong (Mountbatten)( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I would like to know, when the Singapore Sports Council takes over the management of the Badminton Hall, whether the Minister has any plans to expand the Hall. Or will he look for another site, also in Mountbatten Constituency, to build a bigger badminton hall?”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, there are no plans to expand the seating capacity of the National Stadium. The present structure can accommodate 60,000 people. The development plans for Phase II of the National Stadium Complex have been abandoned. SINGAPORE BADMINTON HALL (Take-over by Singapore Sports Council) 22. Mr Tan Soo Khoon asked the Minister for Social Affairs why the Singapore Badminton Hall, unlike other sports facilities in Singapore, is not under the management of the Singapore Sports Council.”
“Sir, funds for the building of this new Home for Destitute Persons was first entered in the Development Estimates for the financial year 1973, and the sum allocated was $620,000. But at that time the Social Welfare Department was still scouting for a suitable piece of land. Subsequently, the Master Plan Committee allocated the former British Air Ministry and Wireless Station at Chia Keng I as a site for the Home. Unfortunately there was some delay in obtaining the costing for the project. When the estimates were submitted, costs had risen to $1.13 million. In view of the high costs and the relatively short tenure for the site, the Ministry had no choice but to reconsider the project, it was finally decided to proceed with it by scaling down the requirements to the bare essentials. The estimated cost was brought down to $439,800. Work is now in progress and it is expected that the Home will be operational by March next year, i.e, within FY 77, when the funds will not have to be revoted in the next financial year. The number that can be accommodated at this new Home will be about 210 persons. They will be able-bodied persons from the Bushey Park Home, and they will be required to do work like growing vegetables, rearing chickens, and so on.”
“However, from our experience, the officials and sportsmen of each respective sport hardly need to communicate with those of other sports except at the annual general meetings of the Singapore National Olympic Council. Meetings of such sports organisations are held on voluntary arrangements and are restricted to the officials of that sport. Therefore, I think there are no obvious advantages although the opportunities are there for sports organisations to get under one roof. With reference to the Master Plan on sports facilities for the period 1976 to 1981, this was presented to the Ministry of Finance and approval was given to implement certain parts of the plan. The Plan was conceived in 1974 and completed in 1975. Sports organisations were consulted and the target of the Master Plan was to arrive at sufficiency in sports facilities for the more popular sports. Since, in principle, approval from the Ministry of Finance has been received, the Sports Council has begun to implement the Master Plan. On the question of co-ordination between the various bodies involving the training of sportsmen, I think the Member has made a good suggestion and we will look into this to find ways and means to co-ordinate the various organisations or bodies. Regarding changing room facilities and lockers for joggers at MacRitchie Reservoir, it is true that changing facilities are there but no locker service. The Jogging Association, I understand, has indicated this to the Singapore Sports Council, and the matter is being looked into. Sir, we have provided changing facilities in many of our sports complexes and swimming pools at Farrer Park, Queenstown, Toa Payoh Athletic Centre and the National Stadium. At Farrer Park squash and tennis courts area, we are providing changing rooms too.”
“Sir, may I firstly correct both the Members for Sembawang and Kim Seng on this grant of $2 million? This grant was for development projects of sports facilities and not for sports promotion. It has not been reduced but the $1 million is carried over from FY 76 to FY 77. Sports promotion is tempered with prudence and control in spending commensurate with our policy, and I have stressed this many times here, Sir, that nothing is for free. People pay only a nominal sum for the use of sports facilities provided at a highly subsidised cost. ,This is to ensure that recreational sports can come within the reach of everybody. On the suggestion of the Member for Sembawang for transport allowances for sports liaison officers, I agree with him that the SLOs are volunteers. If we give them rewards for their services, then as I said just now, Sir, the spirit of voluntarism is gone. However, in appreciation of their services, the Singapore Sports Council has already provided them with these privileges: (1) free passes to witness football matches at the National Stadium, including Malaysia Cup matches; (2) concession rates for the use of all SSC swimming pools; (3) concession rates at SSC instructional lessons, either in swimming, tennis, squash; (4) special rates for all seminars and courses organised by the SSC. Sir, let me now answer the points raised by the Member for Kim Seng. On the question of centralising all national sports headquarters under one roof, the original intention of the Sports House at Farrer Park was to provide rooms for sports organisations. There were and still are some organisations which have rooms in Sports House.”
“So far nothing contradictory to religious laws ever occurred during the conciliation or compromise between the parties concerned. Also every effort is made by these officials to settle cases as quickly as possible. In matrimonial disputes, complaints of assault are made by one party, usually the female party. The complainant will be asked by the Shariah Court to lodge a report with the police and to go for a medical check-up. The case is then referred to the Civil Court. Subsequently, in the divorce proceedings the set of evidence obtained from the Civil Court relating to the charges of assault together with the medical evidence available will be used in considering the case by the Shariah Court. There is provision under the Administration of Muslim Law Act for appeals to be made to an Appeal Board constituted from time to time by the President of the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura. Any person who is not satisfied with the decision of the Shariah Court may appeal to the Appeal Board. The Appeal Board may confirm or reverse or vary the decision of the Court, and exercise any such powers as the Court could have exercised, making such order as the Court ought to have made or order a retrial. The decision of the Appeal Board is final,”
“Sir, the Shariah Court has a standing arrangement made with the High Court for the use of interpreters when dealing with Tamil-Muslim and Punjabi-Muslim cases. The number of Indian-Muslim cases handled by the Shariah Court each year is very small and most of them can speak Malay. In 1975, there were only four cases. In 1976, there were only three cases. Therefore, this number does not justify employing a Tamil-speaking kathi to solve the problem. The Shariah Court will continue with this present practice of using Tamil interpreters from the High Court when dealing with Indian-Muslims who cannot speak Malay. But we intend to have a Tamil-speaking Naib Kathi or Assistant Kathi to officiate at marriage ceremonies and to deal with cases involving Indian Muslims. 4.15 p.m. As regards the point raised by the Member for Kolam Ayer, firstly, I would like to thank the Member for praising the efforts of the Shariah Court to bring down the number of divorces among Muslims in Singapore. The Shariah Court has a difficult but challenging task in dealing with various matrimonial disputes relating to marriage, divorce, the division of properties and the payment of dowry, maintenance and consolation gifts (matta'ah). Since its inception in 1958, the Shariah Court has been quite successful in dealing with disputed cases of divorce and has managed to cut down the divorce rate from around 50% before 1958 to 10% at present. This is the lowest divorce rate among Muslims in this part of the world. It must be recognised that dealing with marital disputes involving couples who disagree with each other is by no means an easy task. The Kathi and the Muslim social case workers furthermore have to work within the ambit of the religious laws.”
“Sir, there are now 284 volunteer probation officers to assist the full-time probation officers. The community probation service was launched in 1971. Between 1971 and 1976, 797 persons applied to become volunteer probation officers. 290 of them or 36.4% were ultimately selected. The Department is highly selective in order to preserve the standard of work, image and integrity of the service. Up to the end of last year, only 58 or 20% have opted out of the programme, an average of 3.3% a year. Of these, 17 resigned on their own accord because of personal commitments; 39 were found unsuitable and two died. 72 volunteer probation officers have been in the community probation service for more than five years. The dropout rate is, therefore, minimal. I agree with the Member for Bedok that incentive schemes are necessary to sustain the interest of the volunteer probation officers. But it is not desirable to grant monetary incentives like transport allowances and out-of-pocket expenses as it will defeat the spirit of voluntarism among our citizens. The best incentives are the satisfaction of a job well done and the recognition given for such voluntary work. My Ministry intends to issue commendation certificates to volunteers who show dedication, continued interest and success in voluntary work. This year the Department proposes to embark on another two neighbourhood projects in Bedok New Town and Marine Parade. While these projects have been found useful in involving the local community in rehabilitating offenders in their midst, it is not possible with the limited resources to take on too many constituencies or neighbourhoods at a time.”
“During the same period the Registry completed the liquidation of 65 cooperative societies. This is part of the process of consolidation of the cooperative movement started in 1970. 4.00 p.m. For the information of the hon. Member, all cooperative societies operate under the Cooperative Societies Act and Rules. Besides this, they have to operate within the ambit of their own constitutions and by laws as approved by the Registry and modified from time to time according to the requirements of their membership. The financial problems faced by the cooperative societies are usually the result of bad management or poor judgment in embarking upon financial ventures which prove to be non-viable. The Registry gives advice and assistance to cooperative societies on financial matters. But decisions with regard to investments which are allowed by law are made by the members themselves. By and large, most cooperative societies are financially healthy. The hon. Member is obviously referring to one or two cooperative societies which are facing financial difficulties due to certain projects which failed as a result of circumstances beyond their control.”
“Originally, we intended to establish the centre at the Command and Staff College building at Fort Canning. But since this building will be allocated to another Ministry, the implementation of this project will be delayed. This project is also tied up with the revision of the cooperative legislation wherein provisions are made to ensure the viability of this project and unless there is support for the project and the formation of an apex body to run it, it may not be prudent for Government to do the ground work for the apex body which may not materialise. In the interim the Registry will continue to run courses on cooperative subjects on an ad hoc basis in cooperation with the cooperative societies. The hon. Member has also referred to the granting of special leave for cooperators to attend training courses and seminars. I am afraid that this is a matter for the employers to consider. As far as the Government is concerned, leave is granted for recognised seminars and training courses. I do agree with the hon. Member that this is one way of developing the cooperators and thus helping the cooperative movement to progress. I would certainly like to see employers in the private sector encourage their staff who are involved in cooperative work to develop themselves by attending seminars and courses. Currently, Sir, there are 78 cooperative societies in existence. The number of cooperative societies belie the fact that the cooperative movement is not an active one, since most of the new cooperative societies serve a large segment of the population especially those formed and run by the NTUC. The Registry over the last few years had been pruning down the cooperative societies. During the period 1972-76, 21 cooperative societies were deregistered.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, the Member for Anson is correct in saying that the Registry of Cooperative Societies has now been reorganised as the Registry of Cooperative Societies and Mutual Benefit Organisations. The earlier reorganisation of the Registry, which he has referred to, involved the setting up of two sections, one on administration and audit and the other on promotion and training. Regarding the promotional and educational work undertaken by the Registry for the benefit of the cooperative movement, the hon. Member may wish to know that the Registry has conducted a number of courses for the staff and officials of cooperative societies. Last year, a basic book-keeping course was organised for 63 cooperators. A similar course will be organised next month for officials of Malay cooperative societies. There will also be a basic audit course for internal auditors. The Registry also conducts co-operative study tours for secondary school pupils and publishes pamphlets and bulletins on cooperative matters. The promotional work of the Registry is primarily one of giving advice and guidance to individuals and organisations intending to form cooperative societies. Last year 14 groups were given assistance by the Registry to set up cooperative societies in Singapore. Four more cooperative societies have been set up as a result of consultation and discussion led by the Registry staff. Several courses are being planned by the Registry to fulfil particular social roles. On the proposed Cooperative Training Centre, my Ministry is re-examining this project in view of the difficulty in forming the apex cooperative body which was supposed to take over this project after the Government has set it up.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I just want to assure him that I have already forgiven him. There is nothing for him to worry about.”
“Sir, I am not aware of this temple in Changi and I am also not aware that it is going to be pulled down, or whether it is to be preserved and thus allowed to continue its activities. If the temple is allowed to remain there, then it is up to the Board of Management to decide whether or not they want to invite tourists to visit it as an attraction.”
“I have already mentioned previously in this House that my Ministry is setting up a coordinating committee of officials from various Ministries and departments to see what can be done for these cases. I would like to assure the hon. Member that I do not aspire to be a TV star of the stature of Justice Pao, but my Ministry will continue to look after the welfare of those in need and to reach out to prevent tragedies from happening. If Members in this House are aware of any case which merits immediate attention and feel that intervention is necessary, they only need to pick up the telephone and speak to me and if they do not know the telephone number, it is 914111. If the Member for Boon Lay should need a sympathetic ear for his journalistic sensation. I can promise him action if he will ring up the same number 914111 when there is a need.”
“We can assist needy cases and there is no need for a special fund. On the other hand, Sir, there are some who would rather get public sympathy through the press first. There are genuine cases of hardship which merit sympathy and assistance. There are, however, other cases which take the public for a ride including gullible MPs. To quote just one example. A few months back nearly all the newspapers portrayed some children being evicted from their flat by the authorities. The impression given was that the authorities were uncaring and heartless and the family was suffering from poverty and hardship. It was even reported that the father was jobless and suffering from cancer. As a normal routine, the Social Welfare Department investigated the case and it was found that the parents were working and had refused to pay the rent and were staying away from home to avoid creditors for gambling debts. It was also discovered that, far from suffering from cancer, all he had was a boil on his buttock. In this case, the money collected by the newspapers went to the wrong people. So not only were the public taken for a ride but the newspapers, including the newspaper in which the hon. Member is, I understand, a director, were also taken for a ride. I would like to stress, Sir, that people who are in distress should not hesitate to contact the Social Welfare Department for help. As to liaison between the Ministry and other statutory boards and authorities, there has always been close liaison between the Social Welfare Department and the authorities such as the Housing and Development Board and the PUB.”
“He has also much to learn of the ways of the world. I will give him a better perspective of the issues that he has raised. Obviously, he is laying his new broom to sweep clean. I will help him to sweep in the right direction. I have been portrayed, Sir, as being heartless, unsympathetic and a man with a stony heart. It is obvious that the Member has not done his homework and at the same time he does not even know me at all. Those Members who are associated with me in one way or another, particularly the Member for Sembawang in this House, and those outside this House, will know that I do take a personal interest in my work. Although I do not read the Chinese newspapers myself, I can assure the Member that I am perfectly aware of what is reported in all newspapers, particularly of personal and other tragedies. Members in this House will be able to enlighten the Member for Boon Lay of my concern for cases which have been referred to me by them. Every case of tragedy which comes to our notice, either from MPs, from members of the public or from newspapers, the Social Welfare Department investigates immediately. Where I am aware of such cases, I do personally instruct my officials to look into them, investigate, and then inform me of the action taken. My Senior Parliamentary Secretary can vouch for this. The case that was mentioned by the Member, of the mother and daughter who committed suicide, is an unfortunate one. If they had approached the Social Welfare Department for assistance, then the tragedy would not have happened. In cases of genuine tragedies and distress where assistance is required, the Department will render all possible assistance to help them. The Social Welfare Department will also consider these cases for public assistance.”
“Those old people receiving public assistance who are admitted to these homes will continue to receive their allowances. On the question of extending the age of retirement for old people from the present 55 years to 60 years. this is a matter for the Ministry of Labour to consider. I do not think there is a necessity at this stage to have a campaign at the national level aimed at instilling respect for the aged. Generally, our citizens are aware of the need and care for the aged. Various Members of this House have already spoken in public on the importance of caring for the aged by their young. The schools are also stressing this point in the educational programmes I understand there is also a move to form an association for old people, and this association and other related voluntary organisations can work together towards instilling greater respect for the aged people. Now let me deal with the Member for Boon Lay. Yesterday I have been wrongly accused by the Member for Boon Lay However, I forgive him as he is new to this House. He is young and inexperienced. 3.30 p.m. An hon. Member: He will know when he gets old.”
“To answer the Member for Telok Blangah, old people who have been cast out by their families, either because their families are poor or their children cannot provide for them, can always seek assistance from the Social Welfare Department. In cases of severe hardship, they will be referred to certain voluntary organisations for additional assistance in cash and in kind and, wherever possible, old people are assisted to find employment. But most of them cannot work because of poor health and only some are fit for light work. Because of this, it is felt that there is no necessity for the Government to specially provide jobs for them. From 1976 up to the end of February 1977, the Social Welfare Department found jobs for 441 welfare cases, including residents of the Homes. Of these, 159 were public assistance recipients and 156 were destitutes, disabled or aged persons. I would like to stress that it should be the duty of the children to look after their aged parents. In many instances, the old people are not altogether a burden as they can help to look after the grandchildren or attend to household chores. On his suggestion that the old people be given a hawker licence and operate something like a cooperative, this is a matter for the Ministry of the Environment to look into. The Member for Sembawang has raised some matters about the old people's home and the aged. Mutual benefit organisations are being encouraged not only to look into death benefits but to adopt programmes that will benefit the living as well. A few of the more prosperous ones with a large reserve fund will be starting old people's homes and they will not need any subsidy. My Ministry will assist them to set up the homes.”
“Since then, the Hindu Endowment Board took up the matter with the Housing and Development Board independently, without any success. However, my Ministry has taken up the matter with the Ministry of National Development last month The Member may be pleased to know that it has been decided to allocate a different site with an area of 10,000 sq. ft. to the Hindu Endowment Board for the construction of a Hindu temple at Toa Payoh. I am not aware that the Housing and Development Board is charging $8 per sq. ft. for the land at Toa Payoh and also that the compensation for the Somerset Road Hindu Temple has not been settled. I will take this up with the Ministry of National Development. On the question of the temple at Woodlands, the Housing and Development Board has informed my Ministry that the land and the temple thereon were acquired by the Board with vacant possession two years ago. A vacant possession award was paid to the former landowners. In November 1975, the caretaker of the temple handed over the keys to the Housing Board. Since then the premises have been locked, until some time in late January 1977, when another person who claimed to be the new caretaker of the temple shifted into the premises without the permission of the Housing Board. I do not know how he got in He must have broken the lock. A notice was, therefore, given to him to quit because he was an unauthorised person. Subsequently he vacated the premises. The HDB then 1st March, 1977 that time there was no one in the premises However, my Ministry is still looking into this matter.”
“On flood lighting of fields, this will be examined together with other priorities before a plan is submitted to the authorities concerned. On the decline of badminton, the Singpore Sports Council has little jurisdiction over the officials of the controlling body. However, SSC has a badminton training scheme sponsored by a commercial organisation to benefit the youths of Singapore. At least 80% of the present national squad players came from the scheme. The responsibility of winning international honours lies within the province of the controlling body. NFX was introduced some years' ago but gradually declined in popularity. Some of the reasons for the decline may be due to the unsuitable time when the programme comes on the TV screen and the radio, that individuals tend to be unmotivated when alone, and that others would prefer the outdoors and social atmosphere of exercising in company. On the other hand, jogging and other free calisthenics outdoors seem to have increased in popularity, simply by choice. As regards temples, Government's policy with regard to the allocation of sites for religious institutions is to reserve adequate sites in each satellite town for the building of mosques, temples and churches where there is a demonstrated need for such places of worship. For Toa Payoh, the Government has allocated a site of about 5,000 sq. ft. to the Hindu Endowment Board for a Hindu temple. The Hindu Endowment Board, of which the hon. Member for Anson is the Chairman, has rejected in June 1976 the offer on the grounds that the area allocated was too small, that the siting of the land was poor, and that the land was shaped in such a way that no proper construction was possible.”
“The stadium proper is firmly entrenched on a suspended floor built under strict engineering standards. Those cracks visible on walls and floors have appeared in those parts of the stadium lying beyond the suspended flooring and have subsided due to settlement. We anticipated this. Regular remedial works are being undertaken, as and when necessary, until 1979 when the subsidence is expected to stop. I would also like to assure the Member that the grounds of the National Stadium are safe for people to walk. I have not received any report of any serious accident of anyone falling into open drains. Regarding crowd discipline at football matches, meetings are held with the Police before and after every game. As far as I am aware, the police have been and are in full control of the crowd situation at the National Stadium during football matches. The Singapore Sports Council together with the Press, FAS and the Police will in various ways appeal to and educate the spectators for sportsmanship and courtesy to be shown to the visiting teams. The Master Plan for sports facilities is to examine the availability of sports facilities in terms of population centres up to 1 982 It has enumerated those sports facilities which are likely to be deficient. There is a deficiency of only three football fields because there are many school fields which could and should be made available to the community. It has been estimated that, in addition to public fields, numerous school fields will need to be used by the community by 1982. The Singapore Sports Council has presently reached an agreement with the Ministry of Education for constituency sports clubs to use 52 fields.”
“Sir, may I have your indulgence in first answering the points raised by the Member for Anson? He has brought up about a dozen points and if I do not answer them all, he will accuse me of victimising him. The award of the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year in itself is an effort to raise the standard of sports in Singapore. There has been very keen competition since its inception. The selection is based on certain criteria and no award is made if the standards set are not met. Other incentives provided for those representing the Republic in sports include time-off for training, unrecorded leave with pay. several centralised training stints which were very necessary for the period of the international games, provision of uniforms, attire and equipment. However, being amateurs they are restricted in the receipt of monetary rewards. At this point it would be useful to reiterate the guidelines set by the Prime Minister in 1973 on the need to be pragmatic in sports promotion. As far as I am aware, the officials of the national sports associations have been performing good work. They serve in an honorary capacity and are doing their best under the circumstances. Some of the associations with good programmes have been able to obtain sponsors while others unfortunately find it a little difficult to achieve this. Regarding newspaper publicity, all mass media run regular columns in the majority of sports. The Sports Council itself has also two house magazines devoted entirely to sports, one in English and the other in Chinese, There is no Tamil edition yet. As for the National Stadium, I can assure the hon. Member that it is in no danger of collapsing despite the Kallang roar.”
“Sir, I beg to report that the Committee of Supply has made further progress on the Main and Development Estimates for the financial year 1st April, 1977 to 31st March, 1978, and ask leave to sit again tomorrow.”
“Funds are needed to maintain a large multi-purpose mosque. The MUIS on its part has set up a Mosque Maintenance Fund. For deserving cases, the MUIS will recommend the use of part of this Fund to help maintain and defray some expenses incurred by the Mosque Management Committees. However, the MUIS has no special allocation of funds to pay for the maintenance and management of all the new mosques. Mosque Management Committees should not expect everything to be paid for through the Mosque Building Fund collections or by the Majlis. I suggest that they continue with their fund-raising programmes to make the mosque building project a community effort with the active participation of all Muslim residents. The MUIS will issue licences as provided under section 73 of the Administration of Muslim Law Act to enable Mosque Management Committees to collect donations from Muslims to defray expenses such as salaries for Imams, Noja, Bilal, allowances for religious teachers and other functions organised by Management Committees for the benefit of Muslims in the area. BASIC COURSE AND JUNIOR TRAINEE SCHEME 2. Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education whether facilities for vocational training are available to each and every student who is unable to complete primary or secondary education so that he or she will be given an opportunity to be trained in a useful trade.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, under the Administration of Muslim Law Act, one of the responsibilities of the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura is the administration of all mosques in Singapore. When the new mosques are ready, the Majlis will appoint Mosque Management Committees to look after them and to plan and oversee their programmes and activities. Such Committees will comprise residents from the housing estates in which the mosques are sited and who are capable and willing to render their services. All the new mosques to be built under the Mosque Building Fund Scheme implemented by the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura with the assistance of the Government are constructed as large multi-purpose mosques. They will have ample facilities such as conference rooms, libraries, halls for social gatherings and other purposes, classrooms and even washing rooms for the dead. Each mosque is a religious complex in itself, designed for use not only for religious purposes but for community programmes as well. The facilities in the mosque will be made available to the residents within the satellite town. The Majlis Haiah Dahwah which is a Sub-Committee of the MUIS dealing with matters on religion and education, will supervise and co-ordinate the religious, educational and cultural programmes of the mosques to ensure that such programmes meet the needs of Muslims in the area. Close liaison with the Mosque Management Committees will be maintained through the Honorary Secretary of each Committee who will be represented on the Majlis Haiah Dahwah. All Mosque Management Committees will be required to submit their mosque programmes to the Majlis for consideration. Periodical reports on the activities implemented together with financial reports of the mosques are also expected from the Committees.”
“However, stalls in markets and food centres have been allotted to persons whose earnings are adversely affected by resettlement due to public projects undertaken by the Ministries or departments concerned, so that they can have a new way to make a living.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, so far, only the Kallang Creche has been taken over by the Singapore Industrial Labour Organisation (SILO) with effect 1st October, 1976 My Ministry has been discussing with the National Trades Union Congress on the proposal for the NTUC to take over the remaining 10 creches at present administered by the Social Welfare Department. This is in line with the Government's policy to encourage private and industrial organisations to operate creches to help working mothers. It is particularly appropriate that the NTUC should take a lead in this area as it is best placed to understand and appreciate the practical difficulties of employment. It is also in line with the NTUC's policy of looking after the welfare of workers. As for the conditions for the handover, these are still being discussed but basically the NTUC would be responsible for the day-to-day running of the creches on a financial subsidy given by the Government. The Social Welfare Department will continue to look after the hardship cases which are sent to the creches. It is planned for the NTUC to take over the creches by the end of this year on a phased schedule. ISSUE OF HAWKER LICENCES TO CITIZENS AFFECTED BY RESETTLEMENT 6. Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Law and the Environment if he will consider issuing hawker licences to those citizens who are affected by resettlement. The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment (Mr Chor Yeok Eng) (for the Minister for Law and the Environment)(In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, hawker licences are not issued to all citizens who are affected by resettlement undertaken by the Government.”
“Sir, the Member can make his clarification after I have completed my speech. My Ministry is considering setting up a committee of officials to look into the immediate welfare problems which have arisen as a result of developments and, in consultation with officials of relevant Ministries, to see how assistance can be rendered in areas such as rent arrears cases, allocation of flats and hawker licences to welfare cases. 5.25 p.m.”
“I have had such requests since the early sixties but on each occasion I have been unable to bring about the operation of this part of the legislation mainly because of two reasons: (i) the tremendous amount of cost that would have been involved; and (ii) it is felt that all prosecutions, being supervised by the Attorney-General, would only be brought by the Police in cases where there is prima facie evidence against the accused, so that instances of injustice that may arise from a prosecution being instituted against a citizen, is reduced to the barest minimum. The Ministry feels that the social need for legal aid in criminal cases in Singapore is not as great as to warrant its introduction now, but we do have in mind its social benefits and when the, need and expense that will be incurred with its introduction are justified, it will certainly be given every consideration.”
“Whilst it is true that the legislation which set up the Legal Aid Bureau way back in 1958 did envisage granting legal aid in criminal cases, it was decided not to bring into operation this part of the legislation as it was felt that there was a greater need with regard to civil matters then as now where legal aid would be more effectively used to the benefit of our citizens. Accordingly, when the Legal Aid Bureau started to function, it confined itself solely to civil matters. The Director and four Assistants dealt with a lot of civil claims, ranging from the recovery of small sums of less than $1,000 to the recovery of premises and acting for squatters who were dispossessed when their lands were reclaimed by their owners without any compensation whatsoever, although the squatters might well have been in occupation for decades. Since then. the activities of the Legal Aid Bureau have spread to all the branches of the civil law, including drafting contracts and helping widows and dependants claim their dues from deceaseds' estates. They have also been most active and helpful to wives who have been deserted and left without means of support. It is in matrimonial cases that the Legal Aid Bureau at present provides the most appreciated form of assistance. Even in regard to legal aid in civil cases, the Director and his present staff have, at times, been compelled to farm out their cases to members of the legal profession. Accordingly, they find themselves quite unable to cope with any increase that must surely come if and when the legal aid in criminal cases is introduced. This is not the first time that a request for the implementation of this part of the legal aid legislation has been made to me.”
“More importantly, some casual work will relieve them of their boredom and loneliness and make their lives more meaningful The criteria for Public Assistance is stringent and those recipients who are able but unwilling to work are disqualified from Public Assistance. For 1976, $3.6 million was disbursed in Public Assistance to a monthly average of 6,640 families. With regard to the case mentioned by the hon. Member for Potong Pasir, I would like to state that it is not possible that the old lady and her husband had their Public Assistance reduced to $20 when she was hospitalised If the hon. Member can provide me with further information, I shall have the case investigated. The Social Welfare Department ensures that relief recipients are able to collect their allowances at Centres nearest their homes so that they need not be inconvenienced or pay unnecessary expenditure on transport. Where the head of a household is unable to collect the allowance due to illness or other reasons, he can authorise his wife or another person to collect it on his behalf. Where a recipient is unable to get anyone to collect on his behalf, the Public Assistance allowance is made to the recipient by the Social Welfare Department staff at his home. In all cases where the recipients are ill or found to be bedridden and there is no one to collect on their behalf, their allowances are always paid to them at their homes or at the hospitals by staff of the Social Welfare Department. The hon. Member for Whampoa had asked why there is no provision of legal aid for criminal cases, apart from murder cases He also mentioned that a poor person who is unfortunate enough to be involved in a criminal case and who cannot afford a lawyer is likely to suffer more injustice.”
“Various youth groups and voluntary welfare organisations are playing an important part. While more is being done for the aged, the Government is aware that it may encourage rejection or abandonment of the aged by their families. The call to instil filial piety in our children and youth is welcomed The most effective way is through the families and our education system The hon. Member for Whampoa and the hon. Member for Potong Pasir have commented on the inadequacy of the quantum of Public Assistance. The rates of Public Assistance have just been revised last year, 1st March, 1976 by 40% because of the substantial increase in the prices of essential commodities since January 1973 when the rates were last revised. Since March last year, prices of essential commodities have not changed much to warrant a further review of the Public Assistance rates at present. Sir, hon. Members are aware that the rates of Public Assistance are $40 per month for a Head of Household. $26 per month for the wife and $17 per month for each dependant, subject to a maximum of $100 per household. Relief recipients, in addition to receiving Public Assistance are also receiving benefits in cash and kind from charitable bodies and voluntary organisations. Free medical treatment is given by Government for those who are ill. Fares are also given to relief recipients attending Government hospitals and clinics for medical treatment. Every effort is made to encourage even the aged and the handicapped to do whatever casual work that may be available. This is partly to enable them to get a little extra income from elsewhere so that they need not be dependent on Government relief.”
“Member for Whampoa that constituency sports clubs be given more generous funds, the Sports Council will continue to provide grants to help constituency sports clubs in their efforts to promote mass participation in sports. There is still no substitute for self-sustenance in sports promotion and I would urge that MPs should continue with their exemplary leadership and approach in obtaining funds for constituency sports promotion. The hon. Member for Long Kee has suggested that a Department or Ministry be set up to probe into youth problems. I would like to point out that there is a National Youth Co-ordinating Committee under the chairmanship of the People's Association. This Committee co-ordinates youth activities. There have been some comments on the care of the aged. Increasing attention is being given to the aged, particularly those who are destitute and have no families or close relatives. The destitute old people are granted public assistance allowance by the Social Welfare Department. Those not able to manage on their own and requiring institutional care are placed in the Woodlands Home for the Aged, an old people's home run by the Department, or in old people's homes run by voluntary organisations. I feel, as far as possible, old people should live in the community rather than be admitted into an institution. So, efforts are being made to encourage self-help among the aged so that given financial aid or supportive help they can continue to live within the community. It is agreed that more has to be done for the aged, but the Government alone cannot be expected to do all. Voluntary efforts and community involvement are necessary. The community is encouraged to assist in providing services to the aged.”
“Our society has not the infrastructure to support the narrow pursuit of champion production. On the contrary, it is unproductive. We do not need to purposefully strive to produce a Pele or a Mark Spitz. What we want is a nation of fair-minded sportsmen, able to enjoy a competition in amateur earnestness among friends and neighbours, to enjoy the thrills of skilled display in the Athenian sense but not necessarily to see regimented materialistic and selfish modern gladiators, unable to think and act beyond the chase of gladiatorial glory. To this end. the SSC with the warm support of sponsors have schemes for the improvements of skills and the development of a skilled base. On the hon. Member's observation that Constituency Games are not popular, for his information, since 1972 when Inter-Constituency Games were introduced there has been a steady growth not only in the number of games but also in the number of participants. For example, the Inter-Constituency Table Tennis Tournament of 1977 has drawn 66 teams out of 69 constituencies. To the suggestion that Constituency Sports Rules be amended to allow sponsorship by business firms, we should not adopt a commercial hard sell for sports. We do not want each constituency game to become a duplication of a Business House League. Donors and sponsors are there and have been there. There should be no cause and call for blatant advertising by sponsors. It is the subtlety and quality of harnessing scant resources towards desirable sports promotion that have hallmarked our constituency sports promotion. With regard to the recommendation by the hon.”
“Member also spoke of his disagreement with the Sports Council's rationale in the Sports for All policy. I would like to quote what our Prime Minister said when he declared open the National Stadium: `With a population of just over two million, let us not waste time to go Out of our way to produce gold medalists, whether for Olympic, Asian or SEAP games There are no national benefits from gold medalists for smaller countries. For the super powers, with large populations, winning in sports becomes national propaganda to persuade people of the superiority of their competing political systems. But it is foolish and wasteful for the smaller countries to copy this ... Any Olympic sports council member or an affiliate club which sets Out to persuade above average sportsman or sportswoman to devote the best years of their lives to training and becoming gold medalists will find their zeal misplaced, and funds cut off, For they will do an injustice to these persons ...` I have also said elsewhere that the Government's policy of Sports for All cannot be achieved if sports are confined only to the constituency level. More emphasis will be placed on inter-constituency sports to enable a broad base for sports to be built in Singapore. It is through the building of a broad base for sports that Singapore can hope to produce world-ranking sportsmen or sportswomen. Our priority is to build a healthy and robust society. We should not spend our time, effort and money in trying to produce world champions. Our country needs the people who are fit and if champions rise through our popular base of sports-consciousness, then we shall be thankful. But we do not need to produce champions in order to encourage sports participation.”
“Member has also said that the facilities are revenue-generating and this immediately eliminates our younger citizens who cannot pay. We all know, Sir, that the Government's policy is not to provide anything for free. Persons using the sports facilities are expected to pay for their use so that they can appreciate what has been provided. The provision and maintenance of all sports facilities are heavily subsidised by Government grants. For example, a football field at Farrer Park is subsidised at 95% in its maintenance costs. For 22 young persons using a well-maintained football field, the cost works out at approximately 15 cents per head per day to the users, but it costs Government about $57 per day in subsidy. In swimming pools which are the most popular facility the subsidy varies from 50% - 90% in its maintenance costs. These costs exclude the capital expenditure involved in the construction of these facilities. The young also have various fringe benefits as all those in schools pay a concession rate to swimming poo1s and to the use of tennis courts on a school booking basis. Again all those in National Service and reservists, who form a large portion of our young citizens, similarly enjoy concession usage to poo1s and other facilities. The People's Association Youth Group which number some 20,000 in membership also enjoys concession privileges to swimming pools. The Liaison Officer and Chairman of the hon. Member's Constituency Sports Club would have been able to tell him that members of his Club too enjoy this latest concession to swimming pools. This philosophy of our people paying a little towards usage is to develop an attitude of proper use and to prevent abuse. The hon.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, I must certainly say that this House has become very interesting and lively in the last few days. Every Member who has spoken seems to be rejuvenated and has come out quite strongly on certain issues. If this keeps up and the debates remain as constructive and lively, then we shall all be working towards a better government and administration for the people. Hon. Members of this House have raised a few matters concerning my Ministry and I would like to reply to them. Firstly, of course, on sports. The hon. Member for Telok Blangah has suggested the introduction of daylight saving so that there can be one more hour of daylight for the people to participate in sports. May I point out that there is enough daylight as it is for everyone to enjoy recreation, if the people put their minds to it. With prudent practice of stagatime, the ordinary joys of keeping fit can still be the lot of our people. In his references to facilities for sports and recreation, the hon. Member, whilst complimenting "the many excellent facilities" which are being set up for the people to enjoy when taking part in "all forms of sports and outdoor activities", feels that the Master Plan caters for the haves and neglects the have-nots. He may not be aware that one of the major objectives of the Master Plan is to meet the deficiencies in popular sports facilities. If he makes some enquiries and research he would discover that there are facilities in football fields, open spaces, swimming pools, court surfaces and indoor halls which are largely used by the majority of our people, young as well as old. One of the offshoots of the Master Plan has been the release of many more school fields and halls, adding to the array of facilities available to our people. The hon.”
“Simple measures like forbidding children to play with matches and inflammable substances, or making sure that naked flames are not left unattended, or that cooking and electrical appliances are switched off after use, can be easily observed, and do not require much time or effort. In addition, residents should also learn to handle simple fire-fighting equipment, such as extinguishers, so that they will be able to put out a fire in its initial stage and thus help to prevent fire-spread and unnecessary damage. The Brigade conducts short courses in fire-fighting and fire protection for occupants of high-rise buildings, industrial workers and members of the public. Every year, a Fire Brigade Week is also organised. Exhibitions to educate the public on fire safety measures are also held in conjunction with the campaign. Pamphlets and brochures in different languages such as Fire in Your Home and Check list for Fire Safety in Homes are distributed to members of the public. I hope more people will take advantage of these educational programmes so that collectively we can help to promote fire safety in the Republic.”
“For example, a fire which broke out on the 10th floor flat at Chin Swee Road on 22nd October, 1975 was immediately put out by two jets of water without difficulty. Similar fires which occurred in HDB flats at Outram Park, Toa Payoh and Bendemeer Road. were also quickly extinguished. The Brigade has conducted regular fire drills in high-rise buildings. Fire exercises have been conducted in selected HDB flats as part of the pre-fire planning which is being carried out by the Brigade to familiarise their men with the layout of the premises, and to give them on-the-spot training in tactical fire-fighting and rescue operations in HDB flats. To increase the operational efficiency of the Fire Brigade, recently three new water tenders, one emergency tender, one 30-metre hydraulic platform, a dry chemical truck, and six light water tenders have been acquired, and orders have been placed for two more water tenders. The Brigade has also acquired a mobile control unit for facilitating effective communication in the event of a high-rise fire, and a breathing apparatus vehicle equipped with breathing apparatuses for use at the fire ground. Ultimately, fire safety in HDB flats, for that matter, any building, will depend upon the residents themselves, for they must cultivate good fire safety habits and understand the need to exercise greater caution and be more fire conscious. Our experience has shown that fires are often caused by carelessness and complacency. We must inculcate the habit of exercising constant vigilance against any fire hazard in our homes and daily life.”
“Mr Speaker, Sir, due to insufficient coverage in press reports concerning the reply I made to a question raised by the Member for Kim Seng on high-rise fires, I wish to clarify some of the points I made on fire safety in HDB flats. What I have stated is from the point of view of the Fire Brigade in terms of overcoming some of the difficulties faced by firemen in having to carry the fire hoses and other equipment with them when climbing up the stairs where the lifts are rendered unusable. From the point of view of fire safety, the HDB flats are quite safe. Such flats are constructed of non-combustible material. There is also little danger of a fire-spread since the flats are separated by fire-resisting walls and floors, and hence a fire originating in one flat will be confined to the affected flat. Like the private high-rise flats, :here are staircases in addition to lifts in HDB flats. Modern and sophisticated fire protection equipment, like sprinklers and smoke detectors, are only required in office and commercial buildings because of the greater amount of combustible material used and stored. Furthermore, in these commercial high-rise buildings, the installation of central air-conditioning enhances the chances of fire and smoke spreading through the air-conditioning ducts. For the HDB flats and other private high-rise flats, it is not necessary to install such expensive equipment which are intended as warning and automatic devices to deal with fires which might have started in portions of office and commercial buildings which are not always occupied. The Singapore Fire Brigade has experienced no difficulty at all in dealing with fires occurring in HDB flats, The few fires that occurred were put out within minutes of the arrival of fire engines.”
“Sir, may I have your consent and the general assent of Members present to allow me and my colleague, the Minister for National Development and Communications, to make statements now to clarify further the reply that I made yesterday in the matter of high-rise fires raised by the Member for Kim Seng?”
“Sir, just one point which I have forgotten to mention to the Member for Kim Seng. Every year we have what we call a "Fire Brigade Week". This is a national campaign. We are having one this year where, besides exhibitions, we have fire drills for the benefit of the people in the area in which the exhibition is staged for the whole week. I hope this year we will be able to hold one in Kim Seng constituency so that the people in his constituency will know how to fight a fire in a high-rise building. In January last year we also formed a special team in the Fire department called Search and Rescue Squad, comprising 26 officers and men. These are the men who come to the rescue in case of a high-rise fire. Members of the Squad have completed their training, including a period of attachment to the Republic of Singapore's Air Force and the Commando Unit of the Defence Ministry. Their specialised training will enable them to carry out search and rescue work effectively in the event of a high-rise fire. The Brigade plans to expand the Squad and soon a second batch of fire officers will be selected to undergo similar training.”