Volume 94 Monday No 20 9 May 2016

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

OFFICIAL REPORT CONTENTS

Written Answers to Questions

Page

1. Traffic Light Sequence at Potong Pasir Avenue 2 and Potong Pasir Avenue 1 T-Junction (Mr Sitoh Yih Pin) 1 2. Profile of Active Female Taxi Drivers (Mr ) 1 3. Extending MRT Downtown Line 3 from Tampines to Pasir Ris, Punggol, Fernvale/Jalan Kayu and Yio Chu Kang (Mr ) 2 4. EDB's Performance in Attracting Foreign Investments (Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng) 2 5. Building Public Library near or at East Point (Mr ) 3 6. Review of L-drivers' Syllabus at Driving Centres and Schools (Dr ) 4 7. Fire Safety Provisions for Coffeeshops Located in HDB Blocks (Assoc Prof Pei Siong) 4 8. Complaints against Licensed Moneylenders for Unfair Contracts and Practices (Mr Kok Kwang) 5 9. Applications for Charity or IPC Status (Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang) 6 10. Local Businesses' Access to OBS Facilities at Coney Island (Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng) 7 11. Land Gazetted as Nature Reserves and Nature Areas (Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang) 7 12. Utilisation Rate of HDB Community Spaces (Mr Leon Perera) 8 13. Programme on Human Anatomy and Respect for Members of the Opposite Sex for Kindergartens (Dr Lim Wee Kiak) 9 14. Private Education Institutions Offering Industry-relevant Training (Mr Gan Thiam Poh) 9

TRAFFIC LIGHT SEQUENCE AT POTONG PASIR AVENUE 2 AND POTONG PASIR AVENUE 1 T-JUNCTION

1 Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Transport whether the traffic light sequence at the T-junction between Potong Pasir Avenue 2 and Potong Pasir Avenue 1 can be re-configured to only allow either vehicles to turn right (from Avenue 2 to Avenue 1) or pedestrians to cross the road on Avenue 1 at any one time so as to prevent instances of near accidents.

Mr : The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will be adjusting the traffic light timing to allow pedestrians to have a head-start in crossing the road, and for motorists to see the crossing pedestrians while waiting to turn right. LTA will also install additional road markings and signs to remind motorists to give way to pedestrians. These measures will enhance safety at the junction. Back to Contents PROFILE OF ACTIVE FEMALE TAXI DRIVERS

2 Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the percentage of active taxi drivers who are females; (b) whether the Ministry has the demographics and profiles of these female taxi drivers; (c) what are the common challenges faced by them at work; and (d) whether there are any specific measures or schemes to assist them.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: About 2.5% of active taxi drivers are female, with the following age profile:

We understand that they are primarily concerned about their personal safety and prefer not to drive to remote areas at night or ferry drunk passengers. To address these concerns, which are 2 also shared by some male taxi drivers, taxi companies have installed panic buttons for taxi drivers to alert their company when in distress. The companies can then alert the Police and the taxi drivers who are nearby to render assistance. Back to Contents EXTENDING MRT DOWNTOWN LINE 3 FROM TAMPINES TO PASIR RIS, PUNGGOL, FERNVALE/JALAN KAYU AND YIO CHU KANG

3 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry will consider extending the MRT Downtown Line 3 from Tampines to Pasir Ris, Punggol, Fernvale/Jalan Kayu and Yio Chu Kang.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: We have planned for residents in the North East region to be served by the upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL). Extending the Downtown Line to the areas cited is not quite appropriate as it is primarily designed to serve the corridor between the East- West Line and North-East Line that does not have access to the MRT network today. Back to Contents EDB'S PERFORMANCE IN ATTRACTING FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

4 Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) (a) what has been the performance of EDB in attracting foreign investments from 2011 to 2015; and (b) what is EDB's strategy in attracting foreign investments in the face of Singapore's ageing workforce.

Mr : From 2011 to 2015, the Economic Development Board (EDB) secured commitments of S$65 billion in fixed asset investments. These investments are expected to generate total business expenditure per annum of $34 billion, value-added per annum of S$77 billion, as well as create 107,000 jobs when fully implemented. EDB adopts a targeted approach to investment promotion, attracting projects that are in line with Singapore's competitive strengths as well as our constraints in manpower, land and planned international commitments on carbon emissions. Besides attracting new investments, EDB also works closely with other Government agencies to support existing companies in Singapore to strengthen their competitiveness, raise 3 productivity and create good job opportunities for locals. For example, EDB partners the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to engage companies on equipping their local workers with the relevant skills for their jobs. Where relevant, companies are also encouraged to redesign jobs to meet the needs of older workers through schemes such as WorkPro which is jointly developed by MOM and WDA. Back to Contents BUILDING PUBLIC LIBRARY NEAR OR AT EAST POINT

5 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Ministry will undertake a feasibility study to review if a public library can be built at or near East Point to serve the population in Simei and Changi given that the Tampines and Pasir Ris libraries already serve large residential communities.

Assoc Prof Dr : The National Library Board (NLB) aims to make libraries accessible to Singapore residents. There are currently about 43,000 residents in the Changi-Simei area. Residents in Simei and Changi have access to a network of three public libraries located next to the Tampines, Bedok and Pasir Ris MRT stations. Bedok and Pasir Ris libraries are smaller branch libraries, while the library in Tampines is a regional library with a wide range of services designed to serve the broader eastern region. The population in these areas is increasing. NLB recently studied how to better serve the growing number of residents there, and concluded that the best approach was to upgrade all three libraries. The Pasir Ris Public Library was thus revamped and re-opened in November 2015. The Tampines Regional Library will be expanded to about twice its current size. The Bedok Public Library will be re-developed at the nearby Bedok Integrated Complex, offering more diverse spaces. All residents in the East, including in Simei and Changi, will benefit from these enhancements. In addition, NLB supports community-led initiatives to set up reading corners and community libraries, by training resident volunteers and providing a seed collection of library materials. NLB is currently working with a group of residents to set up a community library in the Changi-Simei area. Back to Contents 4

REVIEW OF L-DRIVERS' SYLLABUS AT DRIVING CENTRES AND SCHOOLS

6 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Home Affairs given the recent spate of multiple-vehicle pile-ups on our highway (a) how often are reviews made for the L-drivers' syllabus conducted by driving centres and schools so that what is taught is relevant to current road traffic conditions; and (b) how are driving instructors regulated to ensure that they keep up- to-date.

Mr K Shanmugam: The recent multiple-vehicle pile-ups have mainly been caused by motorists' failure to keep a proper lookout or to maintain proper control of their vehicles. These core driving skills are already included in the driving school syllabus for learner motorists. The syllabus for learner motorists includes both theory and practical components and is designed to teach the basics of driving. The syllabus is regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains up to date with the latest road traffic rules and regulations and the road safety situation. Over the last few years, Traffic Police has updated the syllabus to include new elements such as driving on slope for those learning to drive automatic-transmission motor cars, and emergency braking on wet surfaces and expressway familiarisation for those learning to ride motorcycles. The syllabus is taught by driving instructors who are regulated by the Traffic Police through a licensing regime stipulated under the Road Traffic Act and the Road Traffic (Driving Instructors and Driving Schools) Rules. Driving instructors at the driving schools take an annual Instructors' Skill & Knowledge Evaluation to ensure that they continue to keep up-to-date. Learner motorists have to complete the syllabus and pass the driving test before obtaining a driving licence. Beyond learning driving and passing the driving test, motorists have to continue to drive safely and obey traffic rules when on the road. This is especially relevant in our efforts to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Traffic Police will continue to educate road users and step up enforcement efforts to maintain safety on our roads. Back to Contents FIRE SAFETY PROVISIONS FOR COFFEESHOPS LOCATED IN HDB BLOCKS

7 Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many 5 fires have broken out in the last three years in coffeeshops in HDB blocks with residential units located above them; (b) whether there are specific fire safety provisions pertaining to these coffeeshops; (c) whether the Ministry will consider strengthening the fire safety provisions for these coffeeshops including the mandatory installation of automatic sprinkler systems so as to protect residents living above the coffeeshops.

Mr K Shanmugam: In the last three years, a total of 33 fires have broken out in coffeeshops in HDB blocks with residential units located above them. There were 14 such fires in 2013, 12 in 2014, and 7 in 2015. The Fire Code, which is administered under the Fire Safety Act, stipulates fire safety requirements in buildings, including coffeeshops that are sited within HDB blocks. The requirements applicable to coffeeshops include the provision of ventilation openings for smoke dispersion, and separation of kitchens via fire-resistant walls if open flame-cooking appliances are used, in order to reduce the risk of fire spreading to other adjoining spaces. Alternatively the Fire Code requires that the kitchens be equipped with fire-extinguishing systems to minimise the risk of fire spreading. There are also a number of other risk mitigation requirements. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has been working closely with HDB to ensure that operators of food and beverage (F&B) outlets in HDB premises including coffeeshops, comply with the fire safety measures. The SCDF also partners the National Environment Agency (NEA) to advise NEA food establishment licensees to clean the exhaust systems and ductings in their regular maintenance regimes. The SCDF takes a risk-based approach, assessing the benefit of any requirement, against the risks. The current SCDF requirements take into account that the fires at coffeeshops in HDB blocks over the past three years have been confined to the affected premises, with no fire spread to the residential units above the coffeeshops. Back to Contents COMPLAINTS AGAINST LICENSED MONEYLENDERS FOR UNFAIR CONTRACTS AND PRACTICES

8 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Law (a) in 2015, how many complaints have been lodged against licensed moneylenders for unfair contracts and practices; (b) what action has been taken by the Ministry as a result of these complaints following the 6 completion of the investigations; and (c) whether the Ministry detects an increasing trend of people borrowing from licensed moneylenders.

Mr K Shanmugam: In 2015, the Registry of Moneylenders received 129 reports lodged by members of public against licensed moneylenders. The reports included complaints on moneylenders charging high fees and interest rates, as well as extending credit in breach of the unsecured credit limits. The Registry also conducts regular inspections on moneylenders so as to ensure that their practices are in compliance with the Moneylenders Act and Rules. Where moneylenders or their officers are found to have committed offences under the Act or Rules, the Registry will take decisive action against them. In 2015, 17 moneylenders were subjected to licensing action, such as revocation of licence and forfeiture of security deposit. Nine moneylenders or officers of moneylending companies were warned or offered composition, while six other such individuals were prosecuted and convicted in court. These included matters that arose from complaints made in 2014. In regulating the moneylending industry, we seek to maintain a balance between protecting borrowers and ensuring that there is reasonable access to credit from licensed sources. Over the last three years, there has been an increasing trend in terms of the value of loans granted by the industry. During the same period, a number of measures were also introduced to strengthen protection for borrowers, such as controls on interest rates and fees which were implemented in 2015. We will be implementing further regulatory changes in the coming months. Back to Contents APPLICATIONS FOR CHARITY OR IPC STATUS

9 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) in 2015, how many applications have been made for charity or IPC status respectively; (b) of these, how many applications have been approved respectively; and (c) what are the main reasons for rejecting a charity or IPC status application respectively.

Ms Hai Yien: In 2015, 86 applications were made for charity status. As at 31 March 2016, 41 of these have been registered as charities and 17 charity applications were rejected. In the same period, 39 applications were made for IPC status. Of these, 30 were granted IPC status and three were rejected. The remaining cases were withdrawn or are still under 7 consideration. Most of the rejected applications for charity registration were unable to meet registration requirements such as having objects which were exclusively charitable. Some were rejected due to the lack of substantive activities, programmes or plans to demonstrate their sustainability. Others were rejected because they did not have clear intended beneficiaries or because their activities did not substantially benefit the community in Singapore. The main reasons for rejecting IPC applications were poor governance, qualified audited financial statements, regulatory non-compliance or because applicants conducted activities which were not wholly beneficial to the community in Singapore. Back to Contents LOCAL BUSINESSES' ACCESS TO OBS FACILITIES AT CONEY ISLAND

10 Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth whether local businesses can access the facilities at the new Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) to be built at Coney Island for their team-building activities as the existing OBS at Pulau Ubin no longer caters to businesses.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The new OBS @ Coney, together with OBS' existing premises on Pulau Ubin, will expand OBS' capacity to provide outdoor adventure training opportunities for every youth as they go through upper secondary school. Our priority in the next few years will be to recruit and train additional quality instructional staff to provide safe and meaningful experiences for all students attending OBS programmes. OBS' priority is to develop resilient youths through shared challenging experiences. Corporates can tap on outdoor adventure providers in the private sector. Back to Contents LAND GAZETTED AS NATURE RESERVES AND NATURE AREAS

11 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) what percentage of land is currently gazetted as nature reserves and nature areas respectively; and (b) whether there are plans to increase the number or size of nature reserves or nature areas.

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Mr : Singapore is a city-state, and unlike other countries with large land mass, Singapore has to accommodate all our needs within limited land. Nonetheless, we recognise the value of these greenery and biodiversity systems and make a constant effort to sustain them. Today, there are four gazetted Nature Reserves and 20 recognised Nature Areas in Singapore. Nature Reserves and Nature Areas make up about 5% and 3% of Singapore’s land area respectively. Together, they occupy about 5,400 hectares. This is a significant size, and is equivalent to about eight Ang Mo Kio towns, or almost half of all housing land in Singapore. In addition to setting aside land for Nature Reserves and Nature Areas, we have been adopting unique solutions to conserve nature in our urban setting. For instance, by incorporating green spaces extensively within our urban environment, we have retained a fascinating diversity of native plant species in our city. We have also weaved nature deep into our heartlands through an extensive network of park connectors, Nature Ways and projects like the Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters Programme. We will continue to look for opportunities to integrate greenery and biodiversity in our urban environment, and create a high quality living environment for all. Back to Contents UTILISATION RATE OF HDB COMMUNITY SPACES

12 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there have been studies on the utilisation rate of HDB community spaces; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider renting selected community spaces to private property owners that live close to the rented space for the purpose of funerals, subject to reasonable limits on usage and payment of higher charges than those payable by HDB flat owners.

Mr Lawrence Wong: HDB provides a variety of spaces for residents' use, such as precinct pavilions and void decks. From feedback, we know that these community spaces are in demand and popular with residents. They are designed as public spaces for all to enjoy and use freely. So it is not practical to track the utilisation rate of these spaces. In accordance with the Town Councils (Use of Common Property) Rules, the Town Councils (TCs) may issue permits and impose charges, as they consider necessary, for the use of common property for social or communal functions such as weddings or funerals at void decks, open spaces and precinct pavilions. All applicants who wish to apply to use these spaces could approach the relevant TCs who 9 would process such applications, while taking into consideration residents' needs and possible disamenities to residents living in the precinct. Back to Contents PROGRAMME ON HUMAN ANATOMY AND RESPECT FOR MEMBERS OF THE OPPOSITE SEX FOR KINDERGARTENS

13 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) whether the Ministry will require all kindergartens to run a programme to (i) help students identify what are private body parts and why they should not touch each other inappropriately and (ii) educate them as to whom they should report the matter to when they are inappropriately touched.

Mr : Some pre-schools plan activities and make use of everyday teachable moments to help children learn about body safety, including programmes in partnership with community partners. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is also exploring how pre-schools can be further supported to teach body-safety skills in an age-appropriate manner to children. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and ECDA also have in place a reporting and support system to guide pre-school teachers who have concerns over a child’s safety or suspect child abuse. Pre-school teachers can approach ECDA or MSF for advice on appropriate actions to take. In addition, the Ministry of Education’s Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework includes guidelines for pre-school teachers to help their children develop a positive self-concept and to learn values and socially acceptable behaviours. The NEL Framework covers topics on general safety, and how to help children to talk about their feelings and seek help from adults, including their teachers and parents, when they feel hurt or unsafe. Back to Contents PRIVATE EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OFFERING INDUSTRY-RELEVANT TRAINING

14 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) how many private education institutions currently offer industry-relevant training.

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Mr : There are 61 private education institutions (PEIs) that offer Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) training in a range of industries from hospitality to digital animation. In addition, another 18 PEIs offer other industry-related courses supported by Government agencies such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). These include PEIs such as ST Aerospace Academy and SEED Institute, which offer training in niche fields such as aerospace and early childhood education. PEIs need to work with industry and constantly update its curriculum, to stay relevant. Individuals also need to assess a course carefully before enrolling. To help support individuals in their decision making, the Council for Private Education (CPE) makes available information on a PEI’s registration validity and course offerings on its website. CPE also releases online advisories which provide key facts and guides for prospective students in choosing a PEI, and lists enforcement actions taken against PEIs and/or managers. Back to Contents

Office of the Clerk of Parliament Singapore, 9 May 2016