S Iswaran
Singapore
“The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has incorporated the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2020 regulation in its Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Air) Regulations 2022. The Regulations are applicable to Singapore-registered ships and all other ships while they are in Singapore waters.”
“The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) plans to progressively roll out the charging infrastructure for electric harbour craft operations in the Port of Singapore from 2025.”
“Since 2018, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has imposed minimum bicycle parking provisions covering different types of developments. The requirements are determined by multiple factors, including the developments’ use, location and gross floor area (GFA).”
“I had addressed similar Parliamentary Questions by Mr Gerald Giam on 29 November 2022 and 10 January 2023, as well as in my Ministerial Statement on 8 May 2023. The Member can refer to these past answers and statement as there has been no material change in the allocation of Certificates of Entitlement.”
“To encourage the uptake of electric cars, the Government has rolled out the Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive and enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme. When taken together, it provides up to $45,000 off the Additional Registration Fee of an electric car upon registration.”
“The Land Transport Authority studies all potential changes to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system carefully, including conducting sensitivity analysis where appropriate.”
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“That is the focus. Enforcement will be targeted at those who are deeply involved in and provide core and critical services in support of the illegal activities of the unauthorised remote gambling operators. The focus and the emphasis are to preserve law and order and it would not impede legitimate activities in Singapore. Mr Vikram Nair asked whether it is an offence for tourists to gamble remotely while in Singapore. Firstly, if it is an offence in Singapore, then it applies equally, whether you are a foreigner or a local. I would say that the possibility of a tourist engaging in remote gambling activities in Singapore should be significantly reduced by the fact that we will undertake blocking measures and therefore, the access would be significantly hampered. Having said that, I also want to assure the Member that Police will take a calibrated approach and exercise judgement in enforcing the provision. The primary focus again is on unlawful remote gambling operators and agents, less so on individual gamblers per se. Let me now move on to elaborate on the blocking measures which most Members have voiced support for. Some have asked how we would ensure effective enforcement of the blocking measures. A unit has been formed within MHA to develop our capabilities to monitor gambling websites and related payment mechanisms. It would also make use of appropriate third party resources and build on existing collaborations with regulators in other jurisdictions to track remote gambling trends and learn from regulatory best practices. The blocking list will be reviewed and updated regularly. We will also block websites of Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers that offer services openly aimed at bypassing our blocking measures for remote gambling.”
“For those who operate from overseas, Police will continue to collaborate with its counterparts to provide and share evidence of unlawful remote gambling activities with a view to prosecuting these persons. Other options would include possible extradition to Singapore under applicable treaties and arresting these agents if they were to arrive in Singapore. The Police will also take into account any complaints or feedback that is received in the community. And in response to Er Dr Lee Bee Wah, there is a hotline and Police CrimeStopper, which is an online link and Police feedback email and other sources. So, there are multiple channels through which members of the public can alert the Police if they see anything untoward. The Bill also prohibits remote gambling operators from establishing operations in Singapore even if they do not offer their services to the Singapore market. This is necessary to address the risk of associated criminal activities and other spill-over effects from taking root in Singapore. It will deter remote gambling operators from using Singapore as a base Page: 103 for their operations, which could subsequently be a conduit for other criminal activities. We think it will send a clear signal to criminal syndicates and their associates who are minded to think otherwise. Some Members have expressed concern that Singapore-based companies which provide services for online gaming would be prohibited under the Bill. And I want to be clear about this. Remote gambling syndicates operate through these myriad structures that I have described and they rely on a whole suite of service providers. Clause 9 of this Bill is aimed in particular at agents who play a critical role in remote gambling networks and are associated with other criminal activities.”
“I think we need Page: 102 to bear this in mind when we make such arguments. The fact is that the line between social gaming and gambling is increasingly becoming blurred. What may appear benign today can quickly morph into something a lot more sinister tomorrow in response to market opportunities and consumer trends. That is why the legislation is cast broadly. However, as a matter of principle, the Bill does not intend to cover social games in which players do not play to acquire a chance of winning money and where the game design does not allow the player to convert in-game credits to money or real merchandise outside the game. So, games like Farmville, Candy Crush and Monopoly in their current form would fall into this category. They are not the target. MDA has issued a statement that the Bill will not impede the development of legitimate gaming businesses. We will work with MDA and the industry to clarify the application of the law. Let me now turn to enforcement actions. Several Members have asked about enforcement actions by the Police. The primary focus of enforcement actions under this Bill will be on the operators of illegal remote gambling services as they are most likely to be associated with or be used to support criminal activities. They rely on complex structures of master agents, agents and runners to market their services, set up accounts and manage bets locally in target countries, while the remote gambling operator or the agent is based in another country where such activities could well be deemed legitimate. The Police, as part of on-going operations, have the capabilities to proactively detect, monitor and take enforcement actions against such persons and organisations.”
“Moreover, remote gambling operators are increasingly using virtual currencies such as Bitcoin even though it is a recent and somewhat controversial innovation and has yet to gain widespread traction in the real world. It is precisely such disruptive developments and innovations that can potentially and easily circumvent any remote gambling legislation if it is cast too narrowly. That is why broad provisions are vital, to use Mr Edwin Tong's language. Mr Vikram Nair has asked whether the Bill will cover social games, such as Farmville, Candy Crush, Monopoly and the like. There is a wide spectrum of games that could be considered social games, ranging from those that are free to play to social casino games. And I just want to give Members a sense, a flavour of the continuum. There are freemium games, in other words, games which you can get in for free but in-game, you have to buy additional facilities. This is where players can purchase in-game credits to improve the game playing experience, for example, to outfit an avatar with a new costume. Others have developed virtual currencies of their own which can be used to buy or redeem other entertainment products such as games of other developers on music or even movies. Yet others allow their virtual currencies, credits and points to be traded with possible value in the real world. Social casino games are of particular concern as they are designed to simulate real world gambling, such as Slots and Poker, and they replicate the experience of the casino. The only difference is that in-game credits are used. Sir, the fact is, and it is quite clear that the space is diverse and there is a large penumbra. And not all social games are as innocuous as some may make them out to be.”
“Investigations revealed that he was not just an unlicensed moneylender but also involved in illegal soccer betting activities as an agent and a punter with an overseas remote gambling operator. In 2012, Police arrested a male Singaporean, who was the headman of a secret society gang during an island-wide operation against illegal soccer betting activities. He was involved in illegal soccer betting activities as a master agent and accepted illegal soccer bets from his five agents and numerous punters through a remote gambling website. There are also social concerns which Minister Chan has elaborated on. The young are particularly vulnerable as they are more tech-savvy and therefore more able to use Page: 101 technology. So, we need robust legislative and regulatory levers to deal with remote gambling and its associated ills. I am grateful that Members, such as Mr Tong and others, have acknowledged and support the need to have broad provisions given the nature of the challenge that we face. Criminalising the entire spectrum of remote gambling activities is necessary to give our enforcement agencies the wherewithal to deal with and deter syndicates from targeting or operating in Singapore. But some have asked whether the Bill is too broad in its scope, both within the House but also without. Sir, we have deliberately sought to be comprehensive in the Bill's coverage. If not, it will lack the efficacy and currency in regulating a sector which is innovative in the extreme, fast-changing and quick to adopt new technology. Remote gambling has profoundly altered the terrain and factors, as many have observed, as it allows a person to gamble anywhere, any time.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, first, let me thank the Members who have spoken on the Bill. And I would say, in general, that they are supportive of the intent, policy and legislative, but with some qualifiers which I hope to address in the course of the next 15 minutes or so. Members have expressed their views and raised queries on a range of issues. Minister Chan has spoken on the social concerns associated with remote gambling and how MSF and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) will step up public education and awareness efforts. Let me address the issues that have been raised and broadly fall into four themes: the need for a Remote Gambling Bill; how the Bill will be enforced; blocking measures; and finally, the exemption regime. Several Members have spoken on their concerns associated with remote gambling and there are good reasons for this. The growth of remote gambling worldwide has been aided by advances in technology. Anyone who has a smart phone or Internet access is a potential customer. And we share the concerns of Members. First, fundamentally, from the law-and-order perspective, experience shows that there is a material link between illicit remote gambling activities and international criminal syndicates – money laundering, match fixing and corruption. Let me cite a few examples to illustrate the nature of the problem. In an illegal online gambling raid in June 2013, the Chinese and Hong Kong Police arrested more than 50 people, nine of whom were involved in organised crime. And it was estimated that the online syndicate laundered more than US$32 million. Closer to home, in early 2010, a male Singaporean was arrested in an island-wide Police operation against an unlicensed money-lending syndicate.”
“Madam, I thank the Member for his question. We are in the process of implementing the cameras and we are already receiving requests to broaden the coverage. I would say this: we are cognisant of the fact that there are other needs in the community. Where there is a local priority or concern, Police factor that in, in its consideration when deciding on deployment of cameras geographically. They also take into account Town Council input and local community input. Beyond this programme, when looking at how we can extend it, whether there is a need and how and where it should be targeted, we would certainly take the Member's feedback into consideration. 3.00 pm”
“Madam, I appreciate the Member's question and intent. We are in the transitional period because this is a programme that is being implemented progressively. That is why by the end of 2016, we expect a full rollout. In this interim period, there will be circumstances or certain blocks which may not have their blocks installed with CCTVs yet. For new blocks, as the Member has described, what will happen is, first, provisions will be made. For those that are being built and completed in the next two-year period, cameras will be installed. Beyond that, once we hit a steady state situation, the roll-out can be more in tandem with the development of new blocks.”
“City Gas is Singapore’s town gas manufacturer and retailer. Town gas is distributed to consumers through the town gas pipeline network, which is owned and operated by the gas transporter, PowerGas. Both City Gas and PowerGas are regulated by EMA. Applications for connection to the town gas network are made through City Gas, which manages the connection process on behalf of PowerGas. The charges that PowerGas levies on consumers to connect their premises to the town gas network are based on charging guidelines approved by EMA. The connection cost for a consumer depends on the size and length of the gas pipes required to connect the consumer's premise to the gas network. The underlying principle is that the consumer(s) requesting such connections should bear the full costs of connection. Consumers who do not agree with PowerGas' cost assessment can submit their appeals to EMA for review.”
“Madam, as I have said earlier, the intent is to have complete coverage of HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks within the scheduled timeframe. How in fact we execute this with respect to the construction of new flats is something that, again, will be Page: 25 based on the factors that I have mentioned – community feedback, HDB and how their building programme will be affected, with recommendations from Town Councils as well. But if there are specific issues that the Member wishes to raise, she can do so through the Town Council which is the mode of engagement to the Police we have.”
“He makes a good point on extending such protection to any persons who disclose information voluntarily outside the circumstances described in section 39. We will study this further to see what can be done. Sir, I think I have covered the substantive points that Members have raised. Once again, I want to thank all of them for speaking on the Bill and for their general support, and for their useful comments and feedback which will inform the implementation of the provisions of the Bill and any subsequent review that we undertake. Sir, the enhanced CDSA will allow our agencies to better prevent illicit monies from flowing through Singapore, deter associated criminal activities and facilitate cooperation with the international community. These amendments also bring us into greater compliance with international standards and signal clearly our commitment to the global anti-money laundering fight. Collectively, these efforts will uphold the integrity and reputation for our financial sector, which Singapore has painstakingly built over the years. I urge Members to give your full support to the Bill. Sir, I beg to move. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)] [(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Mr S Iswaran]. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)] Page: 115”
“The Court has to be satisfied that the offender had used or intended to use the instrumentality for the commission of the offence, and that instrumentality is not available for forfeiture. The power cannot be invoked where the actual instrument of crime is available. In addition, the quantum payable is also an amount that the Court assesses to be the value of the instrumentality and is imposed as a monetary fine. It does not allow the Public Prosecutor, therefore, to cherry pick and choose other property to confiscate. So, there is a range of safeguards in place and these have already been applied in practice and, in considering whether to apply for a substitute property confiscation order, the Public Prosecutor will consider the full facts and circumstances of the case and the totality of the actions taken to punish the defendant and deprive him of his criminal proceeds. Mr Hri Kumar asked for clarification on the protection accorded to persons who inform STRO of suspicious transactions. Section 39 imposes a general duty on all persons to report their suspicions if they come across information in the course of their work that a property was used or intended to be used to commit crime. A person who discloses such information in good faith to a STRO officer is protected from liability for any loss arising out of the disclosure under section 39(6) of the CDSA. He would be considered an "informer" under Page: 114 section 40A, which provides for protection of the person's identity and the information disclosed. This covers the vast majority of the suspicious transaction reports received. Nevertheless, I agree with Mr Hri Kumar.”
“In practice, it will be carried out as soon as possible after the defendant's conviction. This is similar to the current practice for Page: 113 confiscation of criminal benefits. Ms Sylvia Lim opined that the proposed substitute property confiscation orders could be too harsh in certain circumstances. I think we have to balance this against the need to have a strong deterrence against such crimes – a point that Mr Hri Kumar has also mentioned. The intent of the provision is precisely to preserve that deterrent element so that criminals are deterred from being able to use any instrument to commit offences and escape the consequences simply because, for example, these instruments do not belong to them. We want to ensure that there is a strong deterrent effect there. The limited discretion given to the Courts is in line with the approach taken for the confiscation of criminal benefits under sections 4 and 5 of the CDSA, the confiscation of property controlled by terrorists under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act, and the imposition of a monetary penalty under the Prevention of Corruption Act. I want to assure Members that the same stringent requirements apply to a substitute property confiscation order as they would a normal confiscation order against criminal benefits under Parts II, III and IV of the CDSA. First, the offender must be convicted of a drug dealing or serious offence. Second, the application for a substitute property confiscation order must be made by the Public Prosecutor to the Court after careful assessment that it is commensurate with the severity of the crime. So, yes, the Public Prosecutor is the gatekeeper, as Ms Lim has characterised. But it is an important responsibility and it has to be with reference to the severity of the crime.”
“Other sources of valuable intelligence are the suspicious transaction reports filed with STRO, as well as reports/complaints lodged by individuals and companies. Our agencies follow up and commence investigations where possible criminal activity is disclosed, with a view towards eventual prosecution. As I had mentioned before, there were 39 successful money laundering prosecutions in 2013. Assoc Prof Fatimah has also asked if there are any differences in the handling of money laundering cases if they involve individuals as compared to organisations. The CAD does not make such a distinction and will pursue each case based on the facts to identify the perpetrators and determine their culpability. If an individual is found to have acted on behalf of, or at the direction of an organisation, then he and the entity will be taken to task. These considerations are enumerated in sections 52 and 59 of the CDSA. With regard to money laundering penalties, the CDSA prescribes distinct penalties for individuals and organisations under sections 44 to 47. An individual faces a fine not exceeding $500,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years while an organisation faces a fine not exceeding $1 million. The actual penalties meted out depend on the severity of the offence, monetary amount involved and the number of charges levied. I will now move on to some specific questions that Members have raised on the Bill or on the CDSA provisions. On the power to confiscate property of corresponding value in place of instruments of crime, Assoc Prof Fatimah has asked if there is a specific timeframe for the application of the new substitute property confiscation order. The CDSA does not provide for a specific timeframe within which the process must be conducted.”
“The foreign authority must provide sufficient detail on the offence being investigated and explain how the information that is requested is relevant to the investigation. Further, STRO officers cannot disclose information obtained for the exercise of its functions unless it is relevant to an investigation or when they are compelled to do so by the Court or any written law. So, there is a ring of safeguards around how the information can be shared and how it can be utilised. Members have also raised questions pertaining to investigations and enforcement. Mr de Souza asked about the reporting structure of STRO and which agency will spearhead efforts against money laundering. STRO will continue to be embedded within the Commercial Affairs Department as one of its key Divisions. CAD is the main enforcement agency for money laundering under MHA. At the policy level, our anti-money laundering Page: 112 regime is overseen by a multi-agency Steering Committee, which is co-led by MHA, MOF and MAS. On the question of INTERPOL, clearly, as part of the effort to work with international bodies and international corporations, INTERPOL's presence here will be an asset but, operationally, they will have to work out how they will give effect to such cooperation and whether the specific siting of INTERPOL's offices here will bring particular benefits. Assoc Prof Fatimah asked how our law enforcement authorities are alerted to transnational crime and money laundering activities. Generally, information can be received from foreign intelligence units or law enforcement agencies on criminal activity that may have a bearing on Singapore.”
“But I do want to make the point again about compliance. The point about compliance cost was raised by Ms Lim as well. The tighter the focus, the lesser the compliance cost. The larger the focus – if we extend the coverage to non-cash transactions by PMSDs – then the burden in terms of compliance will be far greater. So, I think in coming up with these legislative amendments and the regulatory elements that will give force to them, we are trying to find the balance that will impose a reasonable burden of compliance on the industry players in order to preserve the overall integrity of the system, which is something that they all value as an asset for their business. Sir, the second theme of Members' queries and comments is on international cooperation. Mr Hri Kumar has described that Singapore is an open economy with advanced technological linkages and we are, therefore, particularly vulnerable to cross border money laundering risks. Almost 30% of our money laundering convictions in the past five years involved predicate offences that were committed outside Singapore. Effective international cooperation is key to our enforcement efforts. Our agencies' ability to cooperate internationally is also subject to legal safeguards and procedures to ensure that such cooperation is legitimate and the information is kept confidential and not misused. Mr de Souza asked about the safeguards in place to ensure that information obtained and shared by STRO is not abused or wrongfully disclosed. Under the proposed amendments, as a prerequisite for information sharing, a foreign authority would need to give an undertaking and assure us of confidentiality and that the information would be used only for the purposes of advancing investigations.”
“The stored value facilities of online payment companies are among the areas that have been identified in the report as being of higher risk and they are already subject to specific anti-money laundering and terrorism financing requirements. Another area that Ms Tan has highlighted is the virtual currency space. This was also highlighted in the National Risk Assessment report as an area for further study. In March this year, MAS announced that intermediaries that buy, sell or facilitate the exchange of virtual currencies will be regulated for anti-money laundering measures. MAS is currently studying the appropriate regulatory regime to be put in place and will consult the industry in due course. Ms Sylvia Lim has asked whether and how Precious Stones and Metals Dealers (PSMDs) are required to assess risk on top of the proposed cash transaction reporting requirements, and if there is a need to scrutinise the non-cash aspects of their transactions as well. The focus is on cash transactions as they pose a higher risk, compared to non-cash transactions. Cash transactions, for example, allow the transacting parties to preserve anonymity and this is a key issue. Non-cash transactions will generally pass through financial institutions that already have anti-money laundering controls in place. Further, the current suspicious transaction reporting requirements apply also to PSMDs and cover their cash and non-cash transactions. So, if there is reasonable suspicion, they should report it. Page: 111 I want to assure the Member that STRO has held several rounds of discussions with trade associations in the PSMD industry and will continue to engage the industry to address any concerns or doubts pertaining to reporting and other requirements.”
“I must say, though, that while we are open to suggestions, such as shared facilities and so on, on how to further help smaller financial institutions comply with these requirements, I must emphasise that, ultimately, it is the responsibility of each financial institution operating in a global financial centre like Singapore to ensure that it has the necessary Page: 110 controls in place. Compliance to a high quality regulatory regime is, indeed, the advantage that a financial centre like us can provide and, in turn, enhance the competitive advantage of the institutions that operate in our environment. With regard to the Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan, as a responsible jurisdiction, Singapore is fully committed to work with other jurisdictions to fight cross-border tax offences. We note that that the BEPS recommendations have not been finalised and their impact is still uncertain. The Government will continue to monitor international developments and participate in relevant international discussions on the issue. We share Ms Tan's concern about the need to closely monitor non-finance sectors beyond financial institutions that are susceptible to money laundering activities. I should highlight that non-financial sectors are subject to the same requirements – as indeed are all other entities – to report suspicious transactions in the same way as financial institutions, as the requirement to file suspicious transaction reports (STRs) apply to everyone who comes across them in the course of work. In January this year, Singapore published a National Risk Assessment report that covered the money laundering and terrorist financing risks of both the financial and non-financial sectors.”
“Ms Tan Su Shan stressed the importance of giving financial institutions, particularly the smaller ones, guidance in determining what constitutes suspicious transactions involving foreign tax offences, so that they do not fall afoul of the CDSA's reporting requirements. We recognise that this is a developing area for financial institutions, given that these requirements were only imposed last year. The Suspicious Transactions Reporting Office (STRO) has conducted workshops on combating crimes, including tax crimes, as part of its outreach efforts. STRO has disseminated guidance notes with case studies and suspicious indicators on tax crimes and related money laundering. Financial institutions may also seek clarification from STRO, which the Member raised, or industry regulators where needed. MAS has also been working with the industry to provide feedback and guidance on sound industry practices. This includes engagement with industry associations, such as the Association of Banks Singapore and the private banking industry. Most recently, on 16 June this year, MAS published the guidance on private banking controls which sets out best practices and areas to assist financial institutions to mitigate their risks. What constitutes tax evasion under the CDSA is clearly set out in the definition for "foreign serious tax offence" and comprises the same elements as our domestic tax evasion offences under the Income Tax Act and the Goods and Services Tax Act. The aim, ultimately, as Ms Tan has described, is to promote the filing of quality suspicious transactions reports and, in the process, heighten our vigilance against potential criminal activities.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Members who have spoken on the Bill and, in general, for their support of the policy intent and also on the need for strong anti-money laundering laws to remain relevant and effective in the face of what Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef described as a current globalised, high technology and high travel climate. The points that Members have raised fall broadly into three themes and I will endeavour to address them in turn. The first pertains to the scope of the CDSA and the reporting requirements. Mr Hri Kumar asked whether the wide list of predicate offences captured by the CDSA would impose Page: 109 an unduly onerous reporting requirement on financial institutions. Sir, the CDSA's current list of more than 400 serious offences is in line with international standards and expectations. The FATF prescribes designated categories of offences which include fraud, corruption, forgery, illicit trafficking in stolen and other goods, and counterfeiting and piracy of products. These categories include the specific offences highlighted by Mr Hri Kumar. It is internationally recognised and acknowledged that such offences – while they may seem rather extensive in the way they have been described – pose a material risk in terms of the potential to generate illicit proceeds for laundering. Hence, the need to list them in the Schedule. And the provisions in the CDSA provide the basis for our law enforcement agencies to commence prosecution if there is evidence of money laundering and to confiscate criminal benefits derived from such conduct.”
“Madam, I assure the Member that our officials are very careful in their wording of these agreements and we are quite clear what our obligations are.”
“Madam, I am not sure what the Member means by "the root cause of the problem" and, indeed, whether it can be eradicated. But if she means by that, removing it from the Geylang area, whilst it may solve her problem, it would become somebody else's problem and, certainly, for the Police and for MHA, it will remain a pressing problem.”
“Then, the manpower can certainly be diverted to other more important issues in Singapore, at the national level.”
“And, thirdly, I think it is also about the Police having to continually evaluate different operational needs on the ground, from the policing perspective, and from the law and order perspective, in allocating resources. And that is also an important point to recognise – that this is the level of resource allocation dedicated to Geylang because there is an assessment of an operational need on the ground, and the Police will adapt and respond to situations as it evolves. I thought that it is important to clarify so that the Member is also able to reassure her residents on the context and the intent of the comments made by the Commissioner. Secondly, with respect to what the Police are doing in terms of addressing the other disamenities and so on, in general – I think as the Member is aware, and to share with Members of the House – Police focus on law and order, crime issues and related matters. But, as part of an overall strategy in Geylang, Police also coordinate their activities with other agencies, as I elaborated, whether it is MOM, URA, NEA and so on. And I think the intent is to continue to work on this sort of joint efforts whilst the Police focus, in particular, also on crime and law and order concerns, and I would add that, apart from what I have already shared, the Police also have certain targeted efforts in, for example, other kinds of criminal activities which are not captured in the general enforcement statistics that I have shared with all of you today. Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef: I have just one more supplementary question, Madam. The Minister mentioned about the allocation of manpower resources. Certainly, would it not be better if we can actually solve the root Page: 29 cause of the problem?”
“Madam, I thank the Member for enumerating the concerns of her residents. And I also want to acknowledge the fact that, as I said in my earlier reply, Police have been working with and appreciate the cooperation from the Member as well as the grassroots leaders and other stakeholders in the area. The Member raised two points. Let me deal with them in turn. The first is on the Commissioner of Police's comments, and I think she is referring to his comments in the context of the Committee of Inquiry on the Little India riot. I think we should be quite clear about the context of that comment because that would help to put things in perspective. Firstly, I think it Page: 28 was in the context of the Commissioner seeking to share with the members of the Committee Police's strategies and tactics in dealing with some of the challenges they face across Singapore and, in this instance, he was highlighting not just Little India but also Geylang as an example. In the context of Geylang, I thought there were three points that were important to note, and I think this would go some way in addressing the Member's questions and the concerns of her residents. The first is that the situation in Geylang, with its complex social ecosystem, does pose specific policing challenges and that was the point that the Commissioner was making. Second, is that the Police recognise this challenge and that is why there have been these specific additional measures that have been dedicated to enforcement efforts in Geylang. I think that is borne out by the numbers, both in terms of the deployment of resources and the outcomes we have seen. The trend is downwards. Of course, more can be done and residents would certainly prefer more to be achieved.”
“Page: 123 We will also support the use of renewables by continuing to test-bed innovative energy technologies and business models. An example is the deployment of floating photovoltaics on reservoirs to overcome land constraints. In addition, the inter-agency Energy Innovation Programme Office is funding research into technologies to allow the integration of intermittent generation sources into our electricity grid. These initiatives not only create business opportunities for our clean-tech ecosystem but also good jobs for Singaporeans. Sir, over the next 10 years, we need around 2,400 technical professionals for the energy sector. These are good jobs and we will continue to equip Singaporeans with the skills to fill such jobs. Ms Katelyn Ng, 25 years old, and Mr Ridhuan Abdullah, 39 years old, are two of the growing pool of Singaporeans who have chosen careers in the energy sector. Ms Katelyn Ng joined Singapore LNG Corporation over two years ago on its Graduate Development Programme. She helped set up the LNG terminal's laboratory and now oversees its operations. Mr Ridhuan Bin Abdullah is a Polytechnic graduate who made a mid-career switch to join Tuas Power. He has since progressed from a Technical Officer to an Assistant Shift Manager at Tuas' $2 billion Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex. We want to encourage more Singaporeans to embark on a promising career in the energy sector. Sir, I have outlined my Ministry's and our agencies' major initiatives in R&D, tourism and the energy sector for this year and beyond. These and other measures that MTI, MOM and MOE will be outlining will help us to continue transforming our economy, enable our businesses to seize growth opportunities and create good jobs for Singaporeans.”
“To meet future demand in a secure manner, we will develop a second LNG terminal to diversify our LNG infrastructure. And we continue to explore other energy options. Mr Liang Eng Hwa has asked for an update on electricity imports. We are studying how electricity imports can add to our energy mix without compromising the stability and security of our system. EMA is developing the proposed regulatory framework and will be seeking further industry feedback by the end of the year. We will also do more to encourage the use of renewable energy. This will help reduce our reliance on imported fuel and our carbon footprint. Among the various renewable energy options, solar has the greatest potential for wider deployment in Singapore. As a principle, rather than subsidise consumption, we have supported R&D and encouraged the market to adopt economically viable forms of renewable energy. As Mr Ong Teng Koon has noted, recent global developments suggest that solar energy has become more cost-competitive. As a result, we plan to raise the adoption of solar power in our system to 350 Mega-Watt-peak (MWp) by 2020. This is about 5% of 2020 peak electricity demand, a significant increase from the present 15 MWp of installed capacity today. EDB will work with key Government agencies to aggregate demand for solar deployment across Government buildings and spaces. This "SolarNova" programme will also catalyse the growth of the clean-energy sector and create opportunities for Singapore businesses, such as Sunseap, PV World and SolarGy. As renewable energy sources like solar are intermittent in nature, EMA is reviewing its regulations to ensure our system remains stable, even with greater adoption of renewables. EMA will continue to work with industry to refine the regulatory framework.”
“As a result of the 15 Town Councils signing up, I understand that they will collectively enjoy a reduction of at least 10% of the regulated tariff, which works out to an estimated $640,000 in monthly savings. Companies, especially SMEs, across all sectors will also benefit. They can now aggregate their demand across various locations to meet the lower threshold and choose a retailer who offers the most competitive pricing. Several firms from various sectors, like SMD Manufacturing and Kleen Pak Products, F&B outlets like the Song Fa chain of restaurants, and logistics firms like Huationg, have already done so and they will enjoy cost savings ranging from 3% to 12%. EMA is studying how to further expand the contestable segment of the market over the next few years to include all consumers, including households. In doing so, EMA will also have to ensure that there are adequate system safeguards even as more businesses and households benefit from greater retail contestability. We will also continue to provide progressive and targeted assistance to low- and middle-income households through the Utility-Save (U-Save) special payment and quarterly U-Save rebates. This is announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget Statement. For the majority of Singaporeans who live in Page: 122 3- and 4-room flats, the rebates will offset around two to three months' worth of utilities, or three to six months' worth of electricity bills. Energy security is another key priority as we import almost all our energy. Singapore's energy security was given a significant boost when our first LNG terminal on Jurong Island commenced operations in May last year. This allows us to import natural gas from around the world.”
“One example is Mr Kung Teong Wah, who is 43 years old and graduated from SHATEC more than 20 years ago. He has risen through the ranks to now become the Executive Assistant Manager of Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium. Our collective efforts to enhance Singapore's tourism hardware, software, manpower capabilities and service quality will have a sustained and positive impact on our quality tourism strategy. Sir, let me now turn to the energy sector. Our aim is to strike a balance between energy security, economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. We seek to do so by pricing energy right, avoiding consumption subsidies and fostering a competitive energy market for the benefit of Page: 121 businesses and households. As I announced last year, Energy Market Authority (EMA) has sought to promote more competition in the electricity retail market through the Increased Retail Contestability initiative. Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Mr Liang Eng Hwa have asked how such measures will benefit consumers. Currently, only about 8,000 large consumers who use more than 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) per month can choose to purchase electricity from electricity retailers through negotiated contracts. This is the contestable segment of our market. This threshold will be lowered to 8 MWh from 1 April, and then to 4 MWh from 1 October this year. In total, this will allow 15,000 more consumers to choose their electricity retailer and sign on to packages that best suit their needs. So, who does this specifically benefit? With this change, 15 Town Councils have already signed up for contestability under this initiative. In fact, this was a point that Mr Zaqy Mohamad raised in last year's COS as well.”
“One of the Page: 120 requirements is that TAs must have a minimum capital requirement of $100,000 to ensure that these operators are bona fide. The incidence of sudden or distressed closures of large travel agents like Five Stars Tours is relatively uncommon. In the past decade, only one other large travel agency closed abruptly and that was in 2006. To some extent, this is unavoidable because travel agencies, like any other business, are subject to risk and business failure. Under such circumstances, customers can usually make claims under travel insurance, or seek redress through the Small Claims Tribunal. I fully accept Mr Lim's point that customers should be protected and we should look for more ways to do so. Mr Lim has suggested various other ideas to protect consumers' deposits, including compulsory insurance and a compensation fund. STB will study these proposals, as well as the consumer protection practices in other countries, to assess what more can be done in our context. In doing so, I think it is important that we remember that there is a need to balance the protection of consumers' legitimate interests against any additional regulation, and its impact on business cost and, ultimately, the cost to consumers. On the manpower front, our training institutes like Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre (SHATEC) and our Polytechnics have been working with STB and the industry to review their pre-employment training in light of evolving industry needs. These industry stakeholders are also keenly aware of the aspirations of young Singaporeans, and the need to offer structured career pathways that can attract and reward those who wish to make tourism their career.”
“Participants will be taken through precincts, such as Marina Bay and neighbourhoods, where they will encounter in-character actors. In general, I would encourage all who have exciting and interesting tourism ideas to come forward and jointly develop them with STB. There are also opportunities to innovate and deliver superior service, despite the manpower constraints that Mr Vikram Nair and other Members have highlighted. For example, STB and IDA recently concluded a call-for-collaboration for the use of self check-in technology in hotels. So far, about 60 of our hotels have expressed interest. With such technology, hotels can better anticipate the arrival timings and check-in habits of business travellers and other guests. They can then tailor their services and stagger their staffing to provide the best check-in experience for their valued guests, every time. It will also allow hotels to re-deploy manpower to other high-touch customer-facing functions. In other words, they can focus on services that would really matter to their customers. 5.00 pm Travel agents have also been raising their productivity. Last year, I spoke about the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore's (NATAS) skills accreditation framework that aims to raise the capabilities and professionalism of the travel agents industry. Since March 2013, almost 200 individuals have participated in the scheme and about 60 more are undergoing assessment. Mr Lim Biow Chuan has pointed out that travel agents also need to better protect the interests of consumers. Today, there are about 1,200 travel agents providing a range of services like coach tickets and travel packages. STB licenses them under the Travel Agents Act and Regulations.”
“Our tourism calendar and capabilities are strengthened by international sporting events like the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, and, from this year, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Championship. If you are wondering who that young lady is between Serena Williams and Li Na, she is an RGS tennis player. Her name is Maxine Ng. I think her T-shirt says "Strong is Beautiful". Complementary entertainment and business events maximise the tourism and international branding benefits for Singapore. The experience we have gained from hosting such marquee projects also boosts Singaporeans' event management capabilities. We maintain our standing as a top global venue for the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. This has enabled Singapore to grow a pipeline of quality MICE events which will draw high-spending business travellers. This includes, for the first time in Asia, and as part of the inaugural Singapore Design Week, Maison & Objet Asia, which will be held alongside one of our top tradeshows, the International Furniture Fair Singapore. Over the next few years, the World Confederation of Physical Page: 119 Therapy, and the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, will also hold their meetings in Singapore for the first time. Smaller scale, ground-up innovations also make for a vibrant tourism landscape. Last year, we launched the Kickstart Fund to support and test-bed novel ideas with good tourism potential and scalability. The response has been good and STB has received a variety of ideas. One example is "The Inside Job", which will commence its interactive walking tour combining elements of live theatre and adventure.”
“He is part of Abbott's sensory analysis department, applying his training and experience to the development of food products. So, Mrs Lina Chiam should be assured the R&D effort is broad-based. It works with not just MNCs; there are specific programmes that are geared towards our SMEs. It has also created good jobs and opportunities for our businesses. Sir, let me now turn to the tourism sector. Last year, we welcomed 15.5 million tourists, 7% more than in 2012. These tourists spent $23.5 billion, 2% Page: 118 more than the year before. These figures are encouraging, and they were achieved despite business travellers scaling back on spending due to a relatively uncertain economic climate. STB expects companies to remain cautious in their business travel expenditure in 2014. Mr Vikram Nair asked about the outlook for 2014. STB has forecast visitor arrivals to grow to between 16.3 million and 16.8 million. This is an increase of between 5% and 8% from last year, and tourism receipts to be in the range of $23.8 to $24.6 billion, which is a 2% to 5% increase. STB will continue to pursue quality tourism growth, by focusing on visitor experience and driving tourist spend. Given our land and manpower constraints, we need to creatively achieve more with less, and invest in both tourism hardware and software. We start from a position of relative strength, having progressively augmented our tourism assets. Just last week, Prime Minister Lee officially opened the River Safari. Soon, the Sports Hub and the National Art Gallery will be ready. We will complement such tourism hardware with distinctive content and programming. This will help to differentiate us from competitors and enhance the value derived from existing assets. Lifestyle events are a good example.”
“About 200 SMEs in the construction, food manufacturing, aerospace, marine, precision engineering and retail sectors have benefited so far. And to foster networking and even more TAP collaborations, A*STAR is organising its Page: 117 inaugural "SME Day" next month involving businesses, A*STAR research institutes and technology providers. One participating company is Feinmetall, which designs and manufactures equipment for the semiconductor industry. Using A*STAR's pictorial recognition technology, Snap2Tell, customers can now scan logos of Feinmetall equipment and access updated instruction manuals immediately instead of relying on hardcopies. There is scope for us to do more. Hence, A*STAR will expand TAP to the food services, healthcare, logistics and infocomm-media sectors. With this expansion, more companies will be able to leverage on technology to raise productivity and realise more business opportunities. [Deputy Speaker (Mr Seah Kian Peng) in the Chair] Our R&D effort has also enhanced Singapore's appeal as a competitive investment location and vibrant technology hub. More MNCs are coming to our shores to collaborate with our local research institutes and technology companies. This, in turn, has created a diverse range of employment opportunities for Singaporeans. The number of research scientists and engineers in Singapore has grown at a compounded annual rate of 7% over the last 10 years to about 30,000 in 2012. Seventy percent of these research scientists and engineers are locals. L'Oreal, Danone, Nestle and Abbott are some of the MNCs that have expanded their R&D investments in Singapore. Over the last four years, more than 200 R&D jobs have been created in the food and nutrition sector alone. Mr Lau Jun Jie, who is 35 years old, is an example.”
“It started as an injection moulder in the consumer electronics sector, and has since successfully branched out to design and manufacture biomedical devices. Through A*STAR's marine and offshore programme, Meiban has also developed Southeast Asia's longest deep-hole drilling machine. Meiban now undertakes diverse, high-value projects which have added to its topline. Mr Ong Teng Koon has asked how SMEs benefit from our R&D effort and I think Mrs Lina Chiam was also referring to that obliquely. The answer: the R&D effort has assisted our SMEs in several ways that have enhanced their competitiveness. First, SMEs need manpower to develop and execute an R&D plan. The Get-Up, which stands for Growing Enterprises through Technology Upgrade programme, serves this purpose and was set up for that reason. This inter-agency initiative – led by A*STAR but it also involves EDB, IE Singapore and SPRING Singapore – has benefited over 400 SMEs in sectors, such as electronics, chemicals and biomedical sciences, with the secondment of 460 A*STAR researchers. Second, SMEs need time to translate technology and intellectual property (IP) into commercialised products and services. Under the new "Headstart" programme that A*STAR has launched, all local SMEs who collaborate with A*STAR will enjoy 18 months of royalty-free and exclusive IP licences for IP arising from the collaboration. Third, SMEs need technology to be accessible. That is the goal of the Technology Adoption Programme (TAP), which was launched last year. And under this programme, teams of A*STAR intermediaries link SMEs with solution providers to customise and implement technology solutions, as well as conduct training for such technology adoption.”
“Mdm Chairperson, Minister Lim has painted an overarching picture of Singapore's economic landscape. Now, let me elaborate on the opportunities and initiatives specific to R&D, tourism and energy, and address Members' queries in that context. R&D is an important enabler in our economic ecosystem. It allows our companies to expand their business opportunities, manage their costs and create good jobs for Singaporeans. We have committed a significant amount of resources, $16.1 billion from FY2011 to FY2015, towards this national R&D effort. This commitment has also catalysed – and this is important - complementary business investment in R&D. In 2012, the private sector invested almost $1.60 in R&D for every dollar from the public sector. In the same year, Singapore businesses increased their R&D expenditure by 16% to $1.3 billion. The overall rate of private sector R&D investment, as demonstrated by this data, is comparable to that of other economies, such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany. Our investments in technology have strengthened existing clusters, such as precision engineering. A*STAR has established a Nanoimprint Foundry where our research institutes and participating companies collaborate to design special plastics and surfaces for commercial use. For example, Nanoveu, an Page: 116 SME, has used these materials in products like EyeFly 3D, a screen protector filter which turns smartphone screens into 3D displays. Since its launch, Nanoveu has sold more than 10,000 pieces of EyeFly 3D and continues to attract local and overseas interest. R&D also enables our businesses to apply their existing capabilities to adjacent industries. One good example is precision engineering company, Meiban.”
“Madam, I thank the Member for his questions. I will take the second part first. In terms of fair remuneration and compensation, it is really a function of skills, productivity and what sort of value-add they deliver, which is why the emphasis has always been on the quality of the service provided which, in turn, is affected by the training and the skills that the officers acquire. That is where our focus is. On the issue of unionisation, I would say that if we are able to achieve the latter, then I think the former would not be as essential.”
“Mdm Chair, MHA will continue to strengthen our operational capabilities, maintain a tough enforcement stance against crime and continue with our efforts to keep our roads safe. Our operating environment is dynamic, and we will constantly review and adapt our strategies in response to the evolving Page: 89 challenges. The support of community and Singaporeans has been a key pillar of the Home Team's efforts. We will broaden and deepen our partnership with the community to keep Singapore safe and secure.”
“As part of the investigations, Traffic Police may contact – I stress may contact – the involved parties or potential witnesses for further information. However, if the facts are clear or where sufficient evidence has been obtained, Traffic Police can take the appropriate action against the parties involved without necessarily contacting all the potential witnesses for input. Traffic Police train and assess these Auxiliary Police Officers in their roles as traffic marshals, prior to their deployment. There are also established operating protocols to guide the traffic marshals in executing their tasks professionally. Traffic Police take the delegation of its functions very seriously and these processes are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain relevant and robust. Madam, I have taken some time to elaborate on this regime which we have with respect to Auxiliary Police Officers. First, I understand and share the intent behind Members' comments on Auxiliary Police Officers and private operators. But it is also important to understand, as Mr Hri Kumar has pointed out, that we need to strike a balance between the use of Auxiliary Police Officers and private operators to complement the Home Team in meeting operational demands, whilst upholding the high standards expected of the Home Team and its officers. It is a dynamic environment that we are in, and the Home Team agencies work with the Auxiliary Police Officers and other complementary entities in order to ensure they can achieve the best outcome in terms of safety and security. We will regularly review the regulation, deployment and training of Auxiliary Police Officers to ensure that they have the skills and training to be able to support the Home Team effectively.”
“Ms Sylvia Lim asked about the role of Auxiliary Police Officers in road traffic accident investigations. Auxiliary Police Officers do not conduct road traffic investigations; only Traffic Police Officers conduct investigations. LTA engages Auxiliary Police Officers as traffic marshals to manage traffic accident scenes. This initiative was started in late 2007 between LTA and Traffic Police in order to expedite the clearance of accident scenes and promote faster restoration of smooth traffic flow. Even then, Auxiliary Police Officers are not activated by LTA in all accident cases; they are mainly deployed for incidents, such as those in expressways and tunnels, which can affect traffic efficiency substantially. That is really the context. When the LTA Auxiliary Police Officers arrive at the scene, they help to cordon off the affected lanes, direct traffic to ease congestion and, where necessary, preserve evidence for Traffic Police's investigations. Traffic Police will usually not conduct investigations into minor accidents where there is no injury caused to the parties. The parties will be advised to report the accident to their respective Page: 88 insurers promptly. Traffic Police investigate accidents where injury or fatality is caused. For such cases, LTA traffic marshals may facilitate the investigation process by noting down basic preliminary details, such as sketching of the accident scene and vehicle damage. In these cases where an investigation by Traffic Police is required, the traffic marshals are to relay any information that they have gathered to the Traffic Police officer in-charge of the case as soon as possible. This includes the contact information of involved parties and potential witnesses such as Ms Lim.”
“Page: 87 Hence, it is in our interests to ensure that Auxiliary Police Officers receive the necessary training to effectively perform their duties. Today, Auxiliary Police Officers receive both basic and specialised training. All Auxiliary Police Officers are required to pass a basic training course. In addition to this, they also undergo specialised training for the type of duties that are assigned. For example, Auxiliary Police Officers who are deployed to patrol foreign worker congregation grounds are briefed on the operating terrain and given training to deal with the common scenarios that they may encounter in the course of their duties. I want to assure Mr Pritam Singh that a structured training programme is in place to ensure that Auxiliary Police Officers are able to meet operational needs. This training is targeted at their special duties or duties they are assigned, and reviewed on an ongoing basis by Home Team agencies to ensure that Auxiliary Police Officers continue to be able to support our officers as the operating environment evolves. A question was raised whether there is a scope for Auxiliary Police Officers to tap into some of the Home Team training. The answer is yes, a lot of it is focused on training the trainers, or commanders of the Auxiliary Police Officers, so that they in turn are able to create the right culture and mindset amongst their officers. The APFs also conduct regular audits and inspections on the ground to ensure that their own officers meet the required standards of performance in their duties. Drills, exercises and red-teaming are also conducted to improve Auxiliary Police Officers' operational effectiveness. The Police independently conducts its own audits and inspections of APFs and their operations.”
“The APFs are formed and officers are appointed as a result of that. I would also add that the number of Auxiliary Police Officers as a proportion of Home Team officers has remained relatively modest and stable over the past five years. The Member cited the example of Woodlands Checkpoint being 20%. When you look at the operational environment in Woodlands, you will see why there is a need for more supplementation from Auxiliary Police Officers. But if I give you an aggregate picture, MHA collectively contracts about 1,700 APOs, and this is about 9% of the 18,000 of the Home Team uniformed officers. When the Member said that we should have a limit, I agree with her. Yes, there should be a limit, but I think at this current level, the agencies are, in fact, exercising their discretion to use APOs in a very responsible and calibrated way. Mr Singh asked about the nationalities of the Auxiliary Police Officers. If you look at the ratio of Auxiliary Police Officers between foreigners and locals, it is not dissimilar to the general involvement of foreigners in our workforce. About two-thirds are locals – Singaporeans and PRs, and the rest are foreigners, specifically Malaysians. Even as we work closely with the APFs and private operators, the Home Team agencies have to ensure that the Auxiliary Police Officers and private operators perform to the required standards in support of the Home Team's mission. This is critical. Auxiliary Police Officers are therefore, typically deployed under the supervision of Home Team officers and operate in accordance with procedures stipulated by the Home Team. Ultimately, the Home Team agencies and their officers maintain overall responsibility and accountability for the outcomes.”
“In response, we have been strengthening our Home Team agencies with more officers. Over the past five years, the number of Home Team officers has grown by an annual average of about 2%. But there are limits to how much we can grow the Home Team, not least because we need to balance the increasing operational demands with the high standards that we expect of our Home Team officers. This, in turn, translates into selection criteria in recruiting. Hence, apart from harnessing technology, Auxiliary Police Officers and private operators play an important complementary role in supporting the work of the Home Team. Today, Auxiliary Police Forces (APFs) and other private operators support us in performing specific functions in various areas such as facilities protection, Page: 86 checkpoints security, inmate escort and the provision of emergency ambulance services. This allows Home Team officers to focus on duties and situations requiring more specialised skills, or a higher level of judgement and decision making. We have to be clear – Auxiliary Police Officers are not a substitute for regular Home Team officers. They are a complement to our Home Team effort. Ms Sylvia Lim had said that we should look at best-sourcing rather than outsourcing. I agree with her. By advocating best-sourcing, she already admits the requirement that there is a need to look at some external augmentation of the Home Team resources. Secondly, APFs are appointed under the powers of the Police Force Act. This is not a general tender exercise where we go for the lowest bidding entity. This is a strategic calibrated move as a result of the recognition of the need to find a continuum of capabilities in our system to meet rising operation needs.”
“It is important to ensure that these drivers have the requisite driving competencies and safety mindset. One part of this is enforcement. Traffic Police have stepped up enforcement efforts against heavy vehicles. Last year, Traffic Police mounted significantly more operations against heavy vehicles as compared to 2012. We have also tightened the inspection requirements for heavy vehicles caught speeding. Since the implementation of this measure in November 2013, more than 190 vehicles that were caught for speeding were required to go for additional inspections. This enhanced inspection regime, which does disrupt operations for companies, coupled with the demerit points and fines imposed for speeding offences, will serve to emphasise the importance of safe driving habits among heavy vehicle drivers and, importantly, their employers. In addition, we are working with key industry players as well as Government agencies, like MOT and MOM, on a comprehensive study of the causes of such accidents and to identify specific initiatives which can help improve road safety amongst vocational drivers. These could include vehicular technological solutions, such as the in-vehicle cameras that Mr Baey suggested. This collaboration is spearheaded by the Safer Roads Industry Taskforce, which is co-chaired by Senior Minister of State Mr Masagos Zulkifli and Parliamentary Secretary Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim. The Taskforce will, certainly, take on board the Member's suggestions. Finally, let me address some Members' comments on the role of Auxiliary Police Officers and private operators. As Deputy Prime Minister Teo has highlighted, our operational demands have grown over the years and will continue to do so.”
“For example, the Singapore Road Safety Council has launched the annual Singapore Road Safety Award (SRSA), to recognise industry fleet owners that are committed to improving road safety within their companies. The inaugural Award was presented to PSA Corporation Ltd in December 2013 for putting in place a comprehensive framework to instil a strong road safety culture among its drivers. This is not just confined to large companies. For example, LTH Logistics, a chemical logistics and distribution company with about 80 drivers, has taken a proactive approach to ensure the safety of its drivers and also our roads. All their vehicles are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) devices that allow the company to monitor the drivers' speed. Those who adopt good driving habits are rewarded. These are good examples well worth emulating by all other companies with respect to ensuring the safety of their employees. The Traffic Police will also be launching a new one-stop online portal on 15 March. This portal will allow members of the public to report traffic violations as well as examples of courteous and considerate driving. Members of the public will thus be able to play a part in improving our road use norms by providing feedback on both positive and negative road conduct. Mdm Chair, even though the overall road safety situation has improved, some specific groups of drivers warrant closer attention. Mr Alvin Yeo and Mr Baey Yam Keng have identified heavy vehicle drivers and, more generally, vocational drivers as one such group. As Mr Baey has pointed out, vocational drivers do spend long hours on the road, often in large vehicles, and they also Page: 85 tend to ferry passengers or goods in the course of their work.”
“The objective is to remind road users to continue to use our roads safely and responsibly, and to deter poor behaviour. Enforcement operations in 2013 resulted in a 10% increase in the number of traffic violations detected, compared to 2012. We have also begun rolling out new digital red light and speed cameras around the island. This will complement the efforts of officers on the ground, and enhance our ability to detect and identify vehicles that speed or run red lights. The first five digital red light cameras began operations earlier this month. By the first half of 2015, a total of almost 260 additional digital red light and speed cameras would have been installed. To complement enforcement efforts, Traffic Police have also strengthened road safety education for various groups of road users, in particular the more vulnerable. One such group is the motorcyclists who Page: 84 constitute nearly half of all injuries and fatalities on our roads. Since June 2013, almost 3,000 learner motorcycle riders have undergone the new compulsory Expressway Familiarisation Ride (EFR) course. It aims to help new motorcyclists become more familiar with riding on expressways, and to pick up useful tips for safer riding. Riders who have gone through the EFR course are much less likely to cause, or be involved in, accidents on the expressways. This was based on the pilot study that was done by Traffic Police previously. 3.00 pm The community and industry play important roles in ensuring road safety. To this end, Traffic Police have continued to engage the community and industry partners to champion a culture of road safety.”
“Page: 83 The majority of respondents supported the move to restrict remote gambling and for Government to implement blocking measures. However, there were mixed views on whether a limited form of remote gambling should be permitted. Some called for a complete ban on remote gambling. Others felt that there was a need for a tightly regulated authorised entity that could divert demand away from illegal and unregulated operators – somewhat akin to Hong Kong, where a locally-based, not-for-profit operator is allowed to offer a limited range of non-casino style products on online platforms. The Ministry will take the next few months to further study these issues and the experience of other jurisdictions before arriving at an appropriate set of actions, including legislation. Madam, I now turn to road safety, raised by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Mr Baey Yam Keng and Mr Alvin Yeo. As Members have noted, there was an 11% reduction in the number of accidents with fatalities or injuries, from 7,188 cases in 2012 to 6,426 cases in 2013. The number of injured road users also decreased, by almost 12%, and the number of fatalities declined by 5%. Notwithstanding this decrease, the fact is that such accident-related casualties can and should be prevented. We must therefore persist and persevere with our efforts to improve road safety. This was the impetus for the launch of the Safer Roads Singapore (SRS) action plan last year. Through Safer Roads Singapore, we aim to foster a culture of safe and courteous road use, with a three-pronged strategy of enforcement, education and engagement. On enforcement, we have deployed Auxiliary Police Officers and an additional 70 Traffic Police officers on our roads.”
“Where a victim requires more specialised support, Police work closely with agencies like MSF and MOE, especially for young victims, the National Crime Prevention Council, crisis support groups, for example, Family Service Centres and medical social workers, to provide additional victim care. Police are also working on a pilot to implement a new Victim Care Cadre (VCC) programme. Under this programme, members of the public will be trained by Police psychologists as victim care officers to provide direct moral support to victims of rape. Ms Denise Phua asked that the Appropriate Adult Scheme be formalised. As she has noted, an inter-agency committee led by AGC concluded a pilot recently of this scheme at Bedok Police Division and is in the process of evaluating the results. The preliminary feedback from stakeholders has been positive. The inter-agency committee overseeing this programme will assess how this scheme can be implemented across all Police land divisions for the benefit of vulnerable groups, such as young persons and those with intellectual disabilities. The review is expected to be completed in the coming months. Mr Christopher de Souza had asked for an update on the public consultation exercise on the proposed framework to restrict remote gambling. MHA had earlier announced that we were developing a regulatory framework that would include blocking measures, and laws for enforcement against facilitators, intermediaries and providers of remote gambling services. MHA conducted the public consultation on the proposed framework from 29 November 2013 to 10 January 2014. We received feedback from industry stakeholders, community and grassroots organisations, religious and social services groups, as well as members of the public.”
“Where it entails the word of one party against another, the challenge for the Police investigators lies in finding objective evidence to prove the guilt, or otherwise, of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. To this end, as part of investigations, Police record statements from the victims, witnesses and defendants. Exhibits, if any, would be sent for forensic examination. Polygraph examinations may also be conducted in some cases, on a voluntary basis with written consent. Time is also needed for any additional investigative enquiries, and the preparation of the necessary medical and forensic reports. The Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) may also conduct further interviews with the victims and witnesses. As Ms Sylvia Lim has noted from previous replies, typically, Police take 12 months on average to conclude investigations into serious sexual crimes. The duration can vary for individual cases depending on its complexity. And as a point of reference, its duration of process is comparable to murder cases, which Page: 82 like serious sexual crimes are also tried in the High Court. Upon the conclusion of investigations, as with all criminal investigations, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) will make the final prosecutorial decision based on the facts and circumstances of the case and the strength of the evidence. That will determine the outcome, whether it is to be a prosecution, a stern warning, or no further action to be taken. Police go their part of the work and the AGC will have to evaluate the evidence and circumstances in deciding on the path forward.”
“This is the combined result of the tough laws that we have enacted, the Police's sustained enforcement effort complemented by the use of technology, such as CCTVs and public education and community partnership. Page: 81 Police will also press ahead with their community outreach efforts to educate the public, especially the financially vulnerable, on the perils of borrowing from loansharks, the availability of legal channels and to stay vigilant against loansharking activities. On the enforcement front, Police have detected an increasing incidence of debtors assisting unlicensed moneylending syndicates by allowing their bank accounts to be used for transactions. To curb their illicit operations, Police are working with banks on a three-year pilot trial to terminate the ATM and Internet banking facilities of persons who are convicted of, or administered with a stern warning in lieu of prosecution, for assisting unlicensed moneylending syndicates. They will be denied such services for a year after which the banks will have to assess whether their services are to be reinstated. As highlighted by Mr de Souza, unlicensed moneylending tends to involve organised crime syndicates, which are transnational in their activities. MHA is working on legislation targeting organised crime that will strengthen our enforcement efforts against the various levels of unlicensed moneylending syndicates, including those who are based overseas but conduct their unlawful activities in Singapore. Ms Sylvia Lim spoke on investigations into serious sexual crimes, in particular the length of investigations and the prosecution rate. Madam, investigations into such offences are delicate and inherently complex by their very nature.”