Mdm Deputy Speaker: Order. On behalf of hon Members, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Honourable Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Malaysia, and his delegation, who are present in our Gallery. [Applause.]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Changes for Public and Sporting Community following Government's Takeover of Singapore Sports Hub","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"1 Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth what changes are in store for the public and sporting community following the takeover of the Singapore Sports Hub by Sport Singapore.
\tThe Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth (Mr Alvin Tan) (for the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth): Mdm Deputy Speaker, may I have your permission to have Question No 1 taken as part of the Ministerial Statement to be delivered by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong at a Sitting in August 2022, as he is still COVID-positive this afternoon.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Okay. Mr Ang Wei Neng, next question.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Adequacy of Healthcare Settings to Handle Next COVID-19 Wave and Steps to Reduce Infection Rate Given Increase in Omicron Variants","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"2 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Health in light of the recent rise of COVID-19 infections in Singapore, especially with the increase in the Omicron subvariants infection in the community, what steps will the Ministry take to (i) reduce the infection rate and (ii) encourage seniors to take their second COVID-19 booster shot.
3 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether our healthcare settings are adequately equipped to handle the next COVID-19 wave expected in July or August 2022; and (b) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the redesign of COVID-19 community treatment facilities.
\tThe Minister for Health (Mr Ong Ye Kung): Mdm Deputy Speaker, with your permission, may I address Question Nos 2 and 3 together? And in my reply, I will also cover written Question Nos 43 and 21 filed by Ms He Ting Ru and Mr Yip Hon Weng on the topic of COVID-19, filed for 4 and 5 July respectively, please.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Please go ahead.
\tMr Ong Ye Kung: Thank you. Mr Ang Wei Neng asked how we will reduce infection rates of the Omicron subvariant transmission. We anticipated this wave when we learnt about the subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, which have a significant growth advantage over BA.2. This wave, however, arrived slightly earlier than the July and August timeframe that we expected.
That is why we have maintained the indoor masking requirement even when cases were low and stable, in order to moderate the infection rate when this new wave arrives. The high vaccination coverage that we have will also temper the size of the wave. To reduce the infection rate further, all of us can play our part: stay at home when we do not feel well, test ourselves regularly, especially if we are meeting people who are vulnerable, or if we attend big meetings or events, such as before coming to Parliament.
And if we still want to reduce the infection rate even further, more stringent safe management measures (SMMs) will need to be implemented. And that means reintroducing things like group sizes, capacity limits and masking outdoors. As the Minister for Health, I can never say we will rule out these steps.
We cannot rule out these steps when we are hit with a serious infection wave but, as far as possible, we should avoid them, especially if we are reasonably confident that our hospital capacity can hold up and that we are determined to live with COVID-19 and continue our journey of endemicity.
For this current wave, our assessment is that it will not be as severe as the Omicron wave we experienced earlier this year. This is because many more of us have gained stronger immunity either through booster shots or recovery from infections. This will significantly impede the circulation and transmission of the BA.4 and BA.5 viruses.
In South Africa, the second Omicron wave, driven by these two subvariants, was approximately one-third of the peak of the previous Omicron wave. Every country’s experience will be different and unique, but we have good reason to believe that this will be a smaller wave than the last. Today is Tuesday. Tuesday is always the day when cases spike. We should expect at the end of today case numbers of over 12,000. This is a tad higher than the same time last week, which was over 11,000, 10% more than last week.
So, there are indications that we are near the peak, if not at the peak. And we should be relieved that the number this week did not double from last week. Otherwise, we will be at 24,000 or 22,000 this week.
The key is to ensure that hospital capacity is not overly stressed. And here, we have been relying on two strategies that I will go through today: first, ensure high vaccination and booster coverage so that as many people as possible are protected from severe illnesses, if they are infected; second, ensure that our healthcare institutions and facilities are prepared and able to ramp up capacity, should there be increased admissions. These strategies continue to be relevant for this current wave.
Let me talk about the first point, in response to Mr Ang Wei Neng and Mr Yip Hon Weng’s questions. The most important is for everyone who is eligible to take their first booster or their third shot. After several mutations, we now need three shots of vaccines to properly protect ourselves against the Omicron variant. The vaccines were developed in the early days, the wild type – or Alpha and Beta – when you need only two shots. With more mutations, we now need three shots.
There are about 60,000 seniors aged 60 and above who have not taken their first booster or third shot. This number has come down from last week, when Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and I announced that there were 70,000. It has now come down to 60,000. So, they are coming forward, which is a good thing. But we urge all our seniors who have not taken your booster shot, your third shot, to do so quickly because it makes a huge difference whether you will fall severely sick if infected.
We have also recommended since March that vulnerable individuals should take a second booster, or your fourth shot. This includes all persons aged 80 and above, those living in aged care facilities or those with underlying illnesses and are vulnerable.
In recent months, we have stepped up our efforts to remind seniors to do so. We made regular announcements and have been progressively sending out SMS notifications and reminders to eligible individuals. They can walk into any Joint Testing and Vaccination Centre or participating Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPCs) or polyclinic to receive their second booster dose. Alternatively, individuals can also book an appointment using their notification SMS.
Since 27 June this year, we have also been sending out mobile vaccination teams (MVTs) to our heartlands to make it even more convenient for our seniors to get vaccinated and boosted. We will cover a total of 60 sites. Last week, we planned for 50. We are going to increase it. Now we will cover 60 sites.
Staff and volunteers from our partners, People’s Association and Silver Generation Office, are also reaching out to our seniors through house visits and engagement dialogues to address many of the queries that our seniors may have. I also know that many Members of this House have been reaching out, talking to seniors and engaging them. Thank you very much for doing so.
Persons who are recommended to receive the second booster under prevailing recommendations should proceed to do so, even if you have contracted COVID-19 previously. Ideally, an individual should wait 90 days after infection to take your second booster. It will help the booster work better. So, wait 90 days and take your booster. But if you are in a hurry for whatever reasons, we will offer the second booster at least 28 days after your infection. So, please tell your residents, \"If you have been infected, it does not mean you are exempted from the booster\". All of us respond differently. Some of us hardly have any response. So, to be safe, take your booster shot.
The second prong of our strategy is to augment and optimise our healthcare capacity. While current international and local evidence show that severity of the Omicron subvariants is not worse, compared to that of the earlier Omicron strains, our hospitals, GPs and other healthcare institutions are on standby to bolster their capacity to prepare for future waves.
Our hospitals remain ready to ramp up dedicated ICU and isolation bed capacity should there be an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients who require hospitalisation. Actually, there is and they are already doing so and are now very busy.
We have also maintained sufficient beds in our COVID-19 Treatment Facilities, or CTFs, to manage serious cases that do not need hospital care. We have recently consolidated our CTFs from about 2,000-over beds, to about 1,300 beds, but with a higher manning ratio. This will make it easier to transfer patients from acute hospitals to CTFs without a significant drop in level of care. They are now about 25% occupied.
Our GPs continue to take care of COVID-19 cases within the community. Nursing homes are equipped to manage lower risk cases within their facilities. To help reduce risk of developing severe disease and hospitalisation, COVID-19 therapeutics, such as oral antivirals, for example, Paxlovid, are made more readily available in primary care and nursing home settings as early treatment, and pre-exposure prophylaxis is available in hospital outpatient settings for at-risk populations. As of 30 June, all polyclinics and 103 participating PHPCs can prescribe oral antivirals to clinically-eligible patients in the community.
With these measures, the vast majority of cases are managed outside of hospitals, which is appropriate, given the high level of vaccination in our population.
However, our public hospitals continue to face high demand from non-COVID-19 patients, what we call the \"business as usual\" (BAU) patients. Over time, we hope more of our CTFs can be multi-purpose isolation and treatment facilities for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. We have already reconfigured one of our CTFs at Sengkang Community Hospital into this new model and we will explore converting other CTFs.
Finally, Ms He Ting Ru asked about healthcare subsidies related to COVID-19 pandemic. As at end FY2021, the Government has spent about $730 million and $220 million on subsidising inpatient and outpatient treatments for COVID-19 respectively.
Since February 2020, we have progressively stood up more than 1,000 PHPCs. Alongside our polyclinics, PHPCs play critical roles in providing Government-subsidised swabs, COVID-19 vaccinations and oral antivirals. We did not reduce the number of PHPCs earlier because we anticipated a new wave of infection, which did happen. We are now in the middle of this new wave and it will be inappropriate to stand down PHPCs at this juncture. This is in response to Ms He Ting Ru's question.
In conclusion, Singapore has been weathering the COVID-19 pandemic through a comprehensive approach. While we have assessed that there is no need to tighten SMMs for now, we urge everyone to play our part to take the necessary precautions, exercise individual and social responsibility to keep infection rates low, support our healthcare workers and healthcare institutions to weather through this wave.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Ang Wei Neng.
\tMr Ang Wei Neng (West Coast): Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I also thank the Minister for the very comprehensive reply. Can I ask the Minister what is the percentage of the recent COVID-19 infections that are caused by the two subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 and whether MOH is considering sourcing Moderna and Pfizer-BioNtech's updated COVID-19 booster shots that can better target the Omicron subvariants?
\tMr Ong Ye Kung: Thank you. Of all infections now, the latest number is about 50% are the BA.4 or BA.5 – mostly BA.5 – subvariants. It has been doubling every week. It started with 3%; then 5%; then 8%; then 16%; then 30% last week and50% this week. By next week, I would expect it to be 70%, 80%. It is clearly a more dominant subvariant, compared to BA.2.
Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, as the Member pointed out, are, indeed developing bivariant vaccines, which means these target two viruses: the original wild type that started in Wuhan as well as the Omicron variant.
Early data does show that these bivariant vaccines elicit a stronger immunity response in individuals who have taken them but it is very early days. We will continue to study the risks and benefits of using such a bivariant vaccine, how to apply it in Singapore. As of now, our contracts with both pharmaceutical companies do allow us to accept shipment and implement them when ready, probably by end of the year, if they are approved, the data shows it is alright and we receive the shipment.
But – I should add the very important \"but\" – do not wait for this bivariant vaccine and hold back taking your booster. We have 60,000 seniors, and also those with health conditions, they are vulnerable. If you have not taken your first booster, you need to take it now. And if you are 80 years old and above, living in an aged care facility and vulnerable, you do need to take your second booster now. The current booster, the current formulation works very well in preventing you from falling very sick. So, do not delay taking your booster.
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Yip Hon Weng.
\tMr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang): Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I thank the Minister for his reply. I have two supplementary questions. First, it was previously reported that there was a wave of manpower leaving the public healthcare sector. Have we been able to hire new staff to make up the shortfall? Is it enough for the next wave?
Second, the number of hospitalised COVID-19 cases has increased over the last three weeks. Will there be a cutting back of elective surgeries in our hospitals on the horizon, due to the COVID-19 situation?
\tMr Ong Ye Kung: Let me answer the second question first. The answer is yes. The number of hospitalisation cases has reached almost 700 now. So, it has increased quite significantly. This is as compared to the height of the Omicron variant wave earlier this year, where we have about 1,700 hospitalisation cases. Now, it is close to 700.
At that time, we cut back business-as-usual (BAU) surgeries by 15%. We have now started to trigger some cut-back of BAU, mostly electives, and it is at about 4%. So, about 700 beds, 4% cutbacks in BAU, compared to the height of the Omicron variant, 1,700 beds, 15% cut.
As I have mentioned earlier, from today's number, we have reason to believe the wave should be near its peak and I hope, from here, things will be better.
Manpower, indeed, is a challenge. The current attrition rate is comparable to what we had experienced in 2019. In February, there was a slight spike after bonuses have been received. But, otherwise, in the latest number, month-on-month, it is comparable to what we experienced in 2019, pre-COVID-19.
Having said that, it is increasingly difficult to hold on to and to recruit foreign nurses, because, with COVID-19 being a global pandemic, the hiring of nurses is a matter of international competition. The good thing is that, locally, young people's perception of the nursing career is, by and large, a positive one. I am very thankful, actually, that, in MOH and healthcare, we have our fair share of talent. And when Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic or SIT open up their courses, it is always oversubscribed, lots of competition. People cannot get in and they have come to us to appeal to get into nursing courses. Mid-career conversions also have a healthy pipeline.
But our cohort size is limited. Our healthcare demand is growing. So, therefore, we must be able to accept that, over time, we have to recruit more foreign nurses from different sources, be able to take them in, train them and, over time, recognising that there is international competition, be able to review their pay and pay them competitively. The good ones, over time, should be able to become part of our community and become PRs, live with their family here, go to the local schools.
This is the only way for us, to not just weather through this wave, but, also as our population gets older, the size of our healthcare workforce will have to increase and we have to tap on both a strong local pipeline, as well as foreign recruitment.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"National Dialogue and Review of Policy Regarding National Athletes Serving National Service","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"The following question stood in the name of Mr Seah Kian Peng –
4 To ask the Minister for Defence (a) whether the Ministry intends to hold a national dialogue on expectations of national athletes serving their National Service (NS); and (b) whether there will be a review of the policy regarding such athletes and their NS obligations.
5 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether the Government will relax the eligibility criteria for National Service (NS) deferment for young male Singaporeans who have the potential to accomplish significant successes in the sports and arts fields; and (b) whether the Government will consider deferring NS for young male Singaporeans who have the potential to accomplish significant successes in fields other than sports and arts.
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Seah Kian Peng. Not here. Mr Leong Mun Wai.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member): Question No 4, please.
\tThe Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Mdm Deputy Speaker, may I please take Question Nos 4 and 5 together?
Mdm Speaker: Please proceed.
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: This year, we commemorate 55 years of National Service (NS). Singapore remains one of the few countries where NS enjoys high levels of public support. How high, you might ask. Well, every year, we take polls, similar to other questions asked by other Government agencies. In 2021, 96% of Singaporeans polled affirmed that NS is critical for the defence and security of our country. Let me tell you, 96%, even for our country, is highly unusual. There are very few questions that you can get above 85%, let alone 90% or 95%.
Today, more than one million have served NS. Each year, every young male citizen and Permanent Resident (PR) puts his personal commitment into action by enlisting into SAF or Home Team for full-time NS.
We have had this high support of NS for many years now and I want to make clear to Members of this House that this strong support that Singapore enjoys is an exception and not the norm, compared to other countries with military conscription.
If you study the global landscape of countries that have mandatory national service, compared to when we first started it 50-odd years ago, the list of countries has shrunk significantly. I have spoken in this House about the Baltic states which gave up national service, only to wish today that they did not. But not only in terms of just countries that have managed to keep their national service, but many countries were forced to cut their national service commitments for a variety of negative reasons.
So, it would be a serious mistake if we take that affirmation we receive today from Singaporeans for NS, that we take it for granted, or think it came by happenstance. On the contrary, this strong support, why it is that we have been able to keep such high levels of national support, there is one key reason.
We have held, unequivocally, the fundamental principles of universality and equity for NS. What does that mean? At its core, it means that all male Singaporeans and PRs who are fit and liable to serve, are conscripted for full-time National Service, as required by the Enlistment Act and not at a time of their choosing.
Further, during the two years that they serve NS, all personal goals are put aside and placed subservient to the higher duty to defend Singapore. It is a national commitment of the highest order and one that we all take very seriously. So much so, that for defaulters who reneged on their liability, our Courts have sentenced them to jail.
Let me quote from a 2017 High Court judgment: \"In order to ensure Singapore's national security, every male Singaporean must serve National Service and at the time that he is required under the [Enlistment] Act, without regard to his personal convenience and considerations.\" I emphasise, \"without regard to his personal convenience and considerations\".
\"When a person refuses to serve National Service at the time that he is required to and instead returns to serve at a time of his own choosing, or worse, at an age when he can no longer serve, his actions strike at the very core of the principles of national security, universality and equity.\"
These are strong words that underpin this collective and deep commitment to uphold NS, with just as strong a punishment for defaulters, who are sentenced to jail for choosing to do NS when and how they like.
Juxtapose that with those who ask for deferment, disruption, to come at a time of their choosing and to pursue their personal goals if they have sporting or arts talents. How do we rationalise this disparity?
We can only understand it because we apply very strict enforcement while, on the other hand, to those who must enlist for NS, we provide deferments and disruptions for any reason, sparingly, justified adequately and implemented openly. Otherwise, the system fails. If you are so harsh, as the main core of your policy, then you have to be very, very careful that your disruptions and deferments are sparing, justified openly and adequately.
Each appeal for deferment and disruption from sports and arts talent must, therefore, pass a very high bar. Each request is assessed on its own merit, in consultation with MCCY, taking into consideration the applicant's past achievements and potential to excel in international competitions and bring national glory.
We allow deferments and disruptions for arts and sports talents when there is a higher goal of national glory. But this deferment or disruption is not a licence to do away with your NS obligations. That must still be maintained. So, even when granted, there is no abdication of NS duties. And we have to ensure that the applicant's NS duties are taken seriously and that he must be trained to be competent in his assigned vocation. This will include periods like BMT, specialists and commanders' courses, and his unit's key operations, which the applicant must fulfil as part of his NS duties, even if he is granted deferment and disruption.
Now, even with these strict criteria, I must inform the House that not all Singaporeans support deferment or disruption for sportsmen. I quote a letter published in The Straits Times in May of this year, quote: \"Let us not set the precedent by letting individuals call for a dialogue for the benefit of a privileged few. Medals can bring glory to Singapore but it is more important to have people with commitment to serve National Service for Singapore's peace and security. All Singaporean sportsmen should know that if there is no Singapore, there is no sport to talk about.\"
I leave you to decide whether you agree with the views. I am quoting to tell you that there are Singaporeans, even despite the strict application of deferments and disruptions, do not agree with it.
MINDEF also receives letters from Singaporeans from time to time, questioning the fairness when deferred sportsmen receive financial rewards through endorsements, while others had to serve their NS as required. They asked if this was compatible with the assurance given that deferments or disruptions should not be for personal gain, but national glory.
I cite these criticisms to show that even when sparingly applied, deferments and disruptions can have a pernicious effect – to cause invidious comparisons that some are given preferential treatment and are not performing their NS duties.
MINDEF reiterates that all NS men must perform their duties, and their short-term disruptions or leave for sportsmen to train for and compete in international competitions are only allowed outside critical NS periods. And those who have benefited from these provisions in the most recent SEA Games include paddler CPL (NS) Koen Pang, hurdler CPT (Dr) Ang Chen Xiang and triathlete OCT Luke Chua, apart from the swimmers that you have read about.
Long-term deferments from full-time NS, such as those mentioned by Members, are exceptional, only for those who have potential to win medals at top-tier international competitions like the Olympic Games. And on this basis, swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen were granted eight years' and five years' deferment respectively for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. [Please refer to \"Clarification by Minister for Defence\", Official Report, 5 July 2022, Vol 95, Issue No 64, Corrections by Written Statements section.]
\t
From time to time, MINDEF convenes review committees to address these and other NS issues as top-down initiatives. And you will remember that the last NS Review Committee was just held and completed from 2020 to 2022. And I have reported on the recommendations of that review and the implementation to this House. But there is also space for ground-up dialogues. When the next review of NS policies is convened, MINDEF will incorporate views across the spectrum of supporters and detractors of deferments and disruptions for sports and arts talent.
After 55 years, I think we do have strong agreement on the common principles of NS – which is, everyone, regardless of talent or status, must fulfil their NS obligations as a first priority and all personal pursuits must be secondary to this during their full-time NS. And based on this understanding, for sporting talents who bring national glory to Singapore, we can and have allowed limited deferments and disruptions, but without compromising their NS obligations.
I am proud that our national athletes understand and accept this duty of NS. None of them has asked to be exempted from NS duties, including those who trained hard and participated in recent regional and international events. They understand that everyone must fulfil their NS duties, even if you are a sporting or art talent.
I also know that our national sportsmen want to do well in both – fulfil their NS duties and also win medals for Singapore; at least some of them. Some have achieved it, but it is not easy to attain and we must not set unrealistic expectations on all of them. However, for those who want to pursue both goals, MINDEF is prepared to allow more to disrupt to train and compete in international competitions during their full-time NS. This is on the understanding that they fulfil the full period required after their disruption and also perform their NS duties satisfactorily while in NS. Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Leong Mun Wai.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member): Deputy Speaker, first of all, I thank the Minister for the clarification. I have two additional questions to ask.
One, from what the Minister has said, we have policies in place for deferment for sportsmen and performing arts Singaporeans who can perform at the competitive and world level. But I think based on the reaction and feedback of the athletes recently that we read in the papers, there seems to be still insufficient leeway given. Just now, the Minister did mention a little bit about —
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Madam, I have answered the question quite adequately for the Member. I suggest he does not make another speech.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Yes. Mr Leong, can you just ask your question?
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: Okay, can I ask the Minister again to confirm that he will look into further relaxation for athletes who want to perform better in their —
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Madam, can I answer that question?
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Yes, please.
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Madam, I have gone to great lengths answering the basis of our deferments and disruptions. And I think my answer speaks for itself. Thank you.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: Okay, I thank the Minister for that.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: Point of Order, Madam —
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Leong, do you wish to ask the question?
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: I have asked the first question. So, I will ask my second question.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Okay, please do so. \t
Mr Leong Mun Wai: My second question is: while the Minister has said that personal development should be secondary to National Service, I think as our society becomes more sophisticated, there is also a need —
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Point of order, Mdm Deputy Speaker. Is this a further point or a clarification?
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: He is asking a question, so let him do it. Mr Leong, please get to your question.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: Yes, please allow me. So, there is also a need for us to give more room for our talents to develop. And the situation we have now today —
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Leong, please ask your question.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: Yes, we have a situation now today, that while we are hindering the development of our sports and arts talents by not granting them enough deferment in some cases, there are also a lot of citizens by registration that are not performing —
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Mdm Deputy Speaker, I do not hear a clarification.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Leong, I am going to ask you one more time. Please ask your question. Otherwise, please take your seat.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: I thought I am asking the question.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Well, you are making a lot of statements. I have not heard a question from you.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: Okay, so, let me ask the question again. Is it fair that while we are hindering the development of our talents by not granting them deferment, citizens by registration are also not doing NS?
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Minister.
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: Mdm Deputy Speaker, that is an utter mischaracterisation —
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Leong, you may take your seat.
\tDr Ng Eng Hen: — that citizens by registration are not doing their National Service. I think he has filed a separate question and I think he can read the reply.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Leong, please take a seat now. Minister has answered your question.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: No, I asked a question and the Minister said that he is not answering the question.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Your question is not related to the Parliamentary Question you have filed. So, please take a seat.
\tMr Leong Mun Wai: Okay, thank you.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Dr Tan Wu Meng.
\t
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Accidents Involving Food and Goods Delivery Platform Workers and Compensation and Support Provided","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"6 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Manpower (a) since January 2021, how many food and goods delivery platform workers have died from accidents in the course of their work; (b) whether the Ministry will mandate delivery platforms to report non-fatal job-related injuries and near-misses involving platform workers; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider tracking the compensation and support provided to families of delivery platform workers who have died or suffered serious injuries during work.
7 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider requiring delivery platform firms to provide baseline compensation commensurate with the Work Injury Compensation Act, especially when a delivery worker has been seriously injured or died on the job.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower (Dr Koh Poh Koon) (for the Minister for Manpower): Mdm Deputy Speaker, may I take Question Nos 6 and 7 together, please?
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Please proceed.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Since January 2021, there have been five fatal work-related traffic accidents involving food and goods delivery platform workers. The Workplace Safety and Health Council is working with platform companies to review work processes to enhance the safety of platform workers on the road to prevent accidents. More details will be shared when ready.
In parallel, the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers is looking at strengthening financial protection in case of work injury for delivery persons, private hire car drivers and taxi drivers. The Advisory Committee has been engaging platform companies and platform workers on the provision of financial protection to platform workers who are injured at work. Such protection is provided currently to employees under the Work Injury Compensation Act. The implementation of such a work injury financial protection framework would require the mandatory reporting of work injuries to ensure platform workers receive the necessary compensation.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Dr Tan Wu Meng.
\tDr Tan Wu Meng (Jurong): I thank the Senior Minister of State for his answer. I have a number of Clementi residents who work as delivery riders. They and their families, as well as some of their customers, are troubled every time a delivery rider dies on the job.
I have filed two Parliamentary Questions (PQs) and I hope Mdm Deputy Speaker will allow me three supplementary questions.
First, can the Senior Minister of State confirm that the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) policy intent is to cover persons on flexible working arrangements and, if so, why not cover flexible workers in the gig economy?
Second, does the Senior Minister of State agree that there is policy space to improve protection for these delivery riders, to close what may be a perceived policy lacuna, to ensure a fairer outcome when a delivery rider dies on the job, working for a gig platform?
Thirdly, does the Senior Minister of State also agree that this policy improvement has broader implications for workplace safety in Singapore? For example, what happens if, tomorrow, a marine, manufacturing or construction company decides to gazette their Singaporean workers as self-employed or independent contractors? They would need protections, too.
In summary, Mdm Deputy Speaker, as one resident said, \"No company should ever be allowed to send the message that when a worker dies, it is 'you die, your problem'.\" Because if a worker dies on the job, it is everyone's problem.
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Mdm Deputy Speaker, I thank the Member for his three clarifications. Indeed, the issues he raised are also issues that the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers has been deliberating on.
Certainly, every death at work is one death too many. We have been working very closely with employers, including platform companies, to make sure that some of these safety measures at work are looked into. As I have said in my main reply, the Workplace Safety and Health Workgroup is looking at this and will announce more measures when ready.
The Member's first question on why is it that WICA is applicable for flexible work arrangements but not for workers who are working flexibly as gig workers. The underlying reason is because gig workers, by definition, are self-employed persons and self-employed persons are not covered under the Employment Act.
Having said that, the Advisory Committee, having consulted widely, is looking at this issue from the perspective that self-employed workers in the gig economy may be subject to management controls by the algorithms in the platforms, in which case, they are somewhat a little bit more employee-like. And, therefore, we are looking closely to see whether WICA can be applied also to gig workers, to provide them a lot more financial protection when they are injured in terms of their work.
The Advisory Committee is also taking a look at the principle of a gig worker, if he is injured at work providing services to people, but what if the nature of work is similar to another worker doing delivery work as an employee. In that sense, in principle, there should be no differentiation whether the person's life is worth more or less, just because he is being engaged in a different form of employment.
By providing some form of equal principle in terms of protection using WICA, we hope to actually cover some of the vulnerabilities of this segment of workers, to make sure that if they are injured or suffered a death in the course of their work, some financial compensation that is commensurate with the kind of work they do, will be provided for them as well.
The Member's third question on what happens if companies were to reclassify employees as gig workers and therefore, attempting to circumvent some of the benefits or rights that employees enjoy. I think, in this case, there is no single test that is able to be used to check whether a worker has been reclassified. What is important is to look at the nature of the engagement between the company and the worker. For example, if the company, by the nature of the work that this person is doing, has to provide a workplace, has to provide equipment, has to provide the kind of jobs to be given to this worker and there is an expectation for the worker to perform – certain KPIs, for example – in that case, that relationship is more akin to an employer-employee relationship. The company would then be expected to provide employee benefits to this worker under the Employment Act.
It does not matter whether this person is a full-timer or a part-timer or whether, in the contract, the company claims that this person is self-employed. So, in adjudicating such disputes, we will look at the nature of the engagement and the relationship between the worker and the company, to make a judgement.
Workers who take on any employment with any company should look closely at the terms of contractual agreement they sign with the company before they actually engage with that company. If they are not clear in their terms of employment, they can seek clarification with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) to make sure that they understand the terms of the employment and what they are signing up for.
This is the approach that MOM will take. There is no one-size-fits-all test to be sure whether the engagement is a contract for service or a contract of service. We look at the relationship of the engagement.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Pritam Singh.
\tMr Pritam Singh (Aljunied): Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Just a quick question. When the Senior Minister of State announced the formation of the Advisory Committee last September to look at savings of gig workers and the injury framework, the Senior Minister of State, I believe, also announced that the report of the committee would be ready in the second half of this year. Is the committee on track to release its report shortly?
\tDr Koh Poh Koon: Madam, the committee is still proceeding with its work and we do hope to finish the work towards the end of the year. Like I said, the work is a complex one because it involves discussing with many different stakeholders.
The workspace for platform workers is a very diverse one. There are different types of archetypes and profiles of people who are engaged in platform work. Platform companies also serve a diverse segment of consumers. So, I hope Members will give us the space and the time to continue to engage widely and discuss with the stakeholders.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Effect of New Insurance Coverage Limits on Cancer Patients and Their Treatments","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"8 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health regarding exceptional cases where patients urgently require drugs that are not within HSA’s approved list (a) how can the Ministry assist these patients who require non-standard treatment options to qualify for claims under the current health insurance policy; (b) whether the Ministry will consider setting up a national body where medical experts can be swiftly mobilised to consider and approve these requests; and (c) how often does the list of approved drugs get updated to keep pace with medical advances.
9 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) how many cancer patients will be affected by the new policy that limits insurance coverage for outpatient cancer drug treatments; (b) what is the recourse for patients who do not respond to these drugs; and (c) how often will the list of drugs be reviewed to ensure that it stays abreast with medical developments, especially new and rare cancers.
\tThe Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (Ms Rahayu Mahzam) (for the Minister for Health): Mdm Deputy Speaker, with your permission, may I address Question Nos 8 and 9 together, and also Question No 71 for oral answer and Question No 41 for written answer filed by Mr Gerald Giam for the Sitting on 4 July, please?
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Please proceed.
\tMs Rahayu Mahzam: The current claim limit that is applied to all types of cancer drugs gives pharmaceutical companies little or no reason to lower prices and takes away the Government’s negotiating power. This has resulted in an unsustainable rise of cancer drug prices. If left unchecked, cancer drugs will, eventually, be unaffordable for the majority of cancer patients.
The changes, focusing MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) to cover a Cancer Drug List (CDL) of clinically-proven and more cost-effective cancer drug treatments, improve affordability in two ways.
First, it provides the incentive for pharmaceutical companies to price their drugs more reasonably so as to benefit from financing coverage. Since we announced the changes in 2021, we have managed to secure an average price reduction of 30%. For some cancer drugs, the price reduction achieved was over 60%. The lower prices have made more cancer drugs cost-effective, enabling 66 more cancer drugs to be listed for subsidy.
Second, nudging utilisation of cancer drugs towards proven and cost-effective care will ensure that treatment costs for the broad majority do not rise unsustainably as a result of liberal use of very expensive and novel cancer drugs. These changes will benefit thousands of patients and improve affordability of more cancer drugs for all Singaporeans.
The CDL is extensive. We already have a panel of experts, comprising senior public and private oncologists and haematologists across various specialisations, who recommend new treatments for inclusion into CDL. This panel has approved treatments that cover multiple lines of therapy, beyond first line treatment, as well as rare cancer treatments to CDL.
This has allowed us to include around 50 more treatments into CDL since it was announced in August 2021. The current CDL covers some 90% of treatments used in the public sector and is updated every four months to keep up with medical advancements and latest clinical evidence.
However, we note that there could be exceptions where patients do not respond to treatments on CDL and their doctors may exercise clinical discretion to prescribe non-CDL treatments based on evidence of benefit. In these cases, doctors must be prepared to justify their clinical decisions to patients and their colleagues. Doctors must also counsel the patient on its risks, efficacy and costs so that the patient may make an informed choice. Some patients may still be covered for such non-CDL treatments by their private insurance, such as riders or critical illness plans.
In this transitional period, MOH will put in place measures for the small number of exceptional cancer patients who require non-CDL treatments and are affected by the policy changes. Private patients who have difficulty affording their bills may opt to be transferred to subsidised care at public healthcare institutions. Once patients are in subsidised care, they can benefit from more affordable drugs and medical fees, as well as access a range of financial assistance, such as MediFund. All patients can also appeal to use more MediSave.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Dr Lim Wee Kiak.
\tDr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang): I would like to thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the reply. I would like to ask, since we know that once the policy is changed and companies can drop the drug price by as much as 60%, is this not proof of profiteering? What actions are taken against this company for profiteering?
My second supplementary question is on patients who have rare cancers and are requiring those drugs which are not on the list currently. Is there a mechanism for them to appeal for them to be added on to the ad hoc list? And what is the timeframe for that?
\tMs Rahayu Mahzam: I thank the Member for the question. Actually, the whole intent of this is to make sure that cancer drug prices are lowered and the best safeguard against profiteering is competition. In this regard, the Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE) uses the established Health Technology Assessments to evaluate the relative value of new drugs, compared to existing standards of care. In parallel, ACE also conducts value-based pricing negotiations to ensure drug prices are competitive.
So, the financing changes that we made have been a major step to incentivise drug companies to price drugs competitively so that their drugs would be eligible for subsidies, MSHL and IPs. And because of this, we have seen the promising results that I mentioned earlier.
In respect of the Member's concern with regard to profiteering, actually, the Competition and Consumers Commission of Singapore also has levers to investigate all reports of anti-competitive behaviour and will take action against instances of anti-competitiveness.
The Member has also asked about the process and I would like to take some time to explain the assessments made by ACE I mentioned earlier. ACE assesses the clinical and cost effectiveness, using published methodologies that are in line with international best practices. And it draws on clinical, epidemiological and health economic data, compare the incremental costs and incremental improvements in health benefits of the treatment relative to the existing standard of care.
As part of this process, ACE consults MOH's Oncology Drugs Sub-Committee comprising local clinical experts from the public and private sectors to ascertain the clinical value of medicines and evaluation and the appropriate use of cancer therapies based on clinical evidence.
The Member also asked about the timing. Actually, the process has been put up on ACE's website. Drug companies that wish to participate in this process would be able to time their applications accordingly. The key process deadlines have been put up online and it usually takes about five months from submission until the funding decision. Funding implementation, typically, occurs within four to six months after a funding decision has been made. But with timely evidence submission, high quality of clinical evidence and reasonable pricing proposals from the pharmaceutical companies, these will help to expedite it.
Since January 2021, ACE has also established a new process in consultation with the pharmaceutical industry to enable cancer treatments to be evaluated for subsidy and MediShield Life, in parallel with HSA's regulatory approval process. Under this process, companies will be responsible for providing evidence submission to ACE, in parallel with HSA's regulatory approval process. All these would be done in tandem. This will bring funding decisions upstream, close to the point of market entry. So, they can do it ahead of time. By the time it comes in, we would already have allowed for it to be put in. This minimises the time gap between HSA registration and inclusion into the drugs list. I hope this addresses the Member's questions.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Yip Hon Weng.
\tMr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang): I thank the Senior Parliamentary Secretary for her reply. I have two supplementary questions.
First, how does MOH ensure that insurers do not shortchange policyholders who have been dutifully paying their dues and what recourse do policyholders have to appeal against decisions from insurers?
Second, are there guidelines on the premiums that insurers charge and what is the oversight on this? While patients are allowed to change insurers, many, often, have little choice in changing insurers due to the coverage of existing conditions and risk loading.
\tMs Rahayu Mahzam: Actually, there is an existing regulatory oversight. MOH and MAS work closely together in exercising regulatory oversight over Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers. IP insurers have to seek approval from MOH for any changes in terms and conditions and MAS will take action against insurers if they do not pay claims in accordance with the policy terms and conditions that they have agreed to or if there is any unfair handling of claims.
IP premiums are set, reviewed and adjusted by insurers based on commercial and actuarial considerations. Insurers may adjust premiums, taking into account the impact of the changes and their own claims experience and other factors. So, insurers have an incentive to help keep premiums competitive to attract and retain their policyholders. So, we hope all these changes, in the long run, will help to moderate premium increases.
I also realised that I have not really addressed Dr Lim Wee Kiak's question about how patients can appeal for drugs to be considered for inclusion in CDL. They can refer the drug to ACE for ACE to make that assessment. We also note that, in the process where there are private patients, there is that opportunity for them to have direct referral to the public health institutions and this is where the assessment can also be made in respect of the appropriate treatment. There will also be subsidies available to that patient.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Gerald Giam.
\tMr Gerald Giam Yean Song (Aljunied): Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I am not sure if my question on the introduction of a National Cancer Care Appeals Board was answered. I understand from the ACE website, which the Senior Parliamentary Secretary just referred to, that it takes about 10 to 11 months from the time the pharmaceutical firms submit their pre-submission form to ACE to the time the Drug Advisory Committee (DAC) meets. However, for individual cancer patients, for whom time is of the essence, anything more than one week may be too long to wait for a decision on a drug subsidy approval. Can we, therefore, have a National Cancer Care Appeals Board which can make rigorous yet speedy decisions to subsidise drugs for these patients to get the life-saving drugs that they need? DAC can then take the necessary time to review the drug for inclusion into the Cancer Drug List to benefit patients at the national level.
Secondly, has MOH modelled out how many patients per year will be adversely affected by these changes to the insurance schemes and how much in cost savings are expected and what is the price in human lives that MOH is prepared to accept in order to achieve these cost savings?
\tMs Rahayu Mahzam: I thank the Member for the question. First off, we need to appreciate that when doctors actually make recommendations for treatment, it has to be on the basis of evidence. All new and existing patients should be properly advised of the proven efficacy, side effects and costs of the available treatment options, including the financial implications of receiving a treatment that is not on CDL at the earliest opportunity.
So, we appreciate that by creating this drug list, there may be some patients who may require drugs outside the drug list and may face difficulties. This could include patients who already have tried drugs on CDL and found them ineffective for patients with contraindications to the drugs on the cancer list. But there needs to be evidence of efficacy of the prescribed drug outside CDL. I just wanted to make that clear.
In respect of those patients on a case-by-case basis, because what happens is that we have provided this lever where there is, actually, a direct referral to the public healthcare institutions (PHIs). They can, therefore, get discretionary funding that is available to them, thereby getting treatment at a far lower cost. It is through this referral that the doctors in the PHIs will then be able to assess the appropriate treatment that is meant for the patient.
The other question is related to the number. The number of patients who will be affected by the cancer drug treatment changes is actually constantly fluctuating. As patients drop in and out of treatments and, given the ongoing work, we are, actually, expanding the treatments on CDL.
Nonetheless, we have looked at this and CDL actually covers around 90% of cancer drug treatments used in PHIs. And we have already said that, if they face difficulty and require non-CDL treatments, if they face difficulty affording the drugs, they can be referred to PHIs and they can get discretionary financial assistance.
I know this is something that is challenging for patients who are facing these situations. But we need to look at the bigger picture and, that is, to reduce the ever-increasing drug prices. With the moves that we have made, we have seen a reduction and this is something that we need to continue with. We have to help those who are not able to be covered under the list as much as we can. We also then have to monitor the process as we go along to see and ensure that, in the long run, it will actually benefit more Singaporeans when all the drug prices can be moderated and are lowered because there is an incentive for the pharmaceutical companies to lower their prices.
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Mdm Deputy Speaker: Ms Ng Ling Ling.
\tMs Ng Ling Ling (Ang Mo Kio): Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I want to thank Senior Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam for her replies and explaining the ACE process on how cancer drugs are evaluated, negotiated, because bringing the prices down really helps our Singaporeans. I wanted to ask whether MOH will consider extending the negotiated price – or maybe more of a clarification – whether the negotiated price is also extended to benefit the private healthcare providers. This is because ACE does tap on a committee that comprises public and private oncologists and, as parliamentarians, we would all know of a resident or someone we love who has cancer and is battling cancer and seeking private healthcare for reasons that we all understand, because they want to get well. So, I just wanted a clarification whether that negotiated price also benefits our private healthcare providers to help our Singaporeans battling cancer.
\tMs Rahayu Mahzam: I thank the Member for the question. The challenge is, private clinics have varied business models and pricing arrangements. So, the feasibility of applying negotiated drug prices to the private sector really depends on whether price controls can be introduced to ensure cost-savings are passed on to the patients. This is also subject to the agreement by the drug companies. This is something that will require further study. We will take this back and look into it and have extensive engagements with the industry.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on Review of Appropriate Adult Scheme for Young Suspects","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"10 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there are adequate safeguards in place when the Police interview young suspects; and (b) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the review of the Appropriate Adult Scheme for Young Suspects (AAYS).
\tThe Minister of State for Home Affairs (Ms Sun Xueling) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): The Police interview suspects to find out what happened. It is not unusual that some suspects may be less than forthcoming during interviews. Interviewers have to assess the situation and decide on the questions to be asked. It is accepted that young suspects may require more support during interviews. Thus, as far as possible, the Police will interview young suspects in a Police station, away from their school or place of employment.
Should interviews need to be conducted at schools or places of employment, the Police will avoid drawing unnecessary attention or causing embarrassment to the young suspect. For instance, the Police may appear in plainclothes and use unmarked vehicles.
Young suspects are interviewed by the Police in the presence of an independent and trained volunteer under the Appropriate Adult Scheme for Young Suspects (AAYS). The current age threshold of AAYS is 16. Thus, Appropriate Adults (AAs) will be activated for all suspects under 16.
From April 2023, we will be increasing the age threshold to include 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds and will target to complete the expansion by October 2023. This can only be done when the number of AA volunteers is increased and we are now working to build up the AA volunteer pool.
The Police will notify parents on the arrest and investigation of young suspects at the earliest time possible, unless doing so could jeopardise investigations.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.
\tMr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang): Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I am grateful to the Minister of State for the explanation. Back in November 2021, I asked a Parliamentary Question on young suspects and the measures. I am heartened that the AAYS age threshold would be increased from 16 to 17, come October 2023. I have a question on the limited pool of AAs and how we can perhaps increase it. Would the Ministry consider, by default, having parents as AAs?
Secondly, in terms of training of AAs, whether we can look into enhancing their training, especially with the soon-to-be-established Public Defender's Office (PDO), where the rights of young suspects can further be briefed by PDO, or AAs can be further trained by PDO in the future.
\tMs Sun Xueling: I thank the Member for his supplementary questions. AA is a neutral and independent party who provides emotional support to the interviewees and facilitates communication. So, AA would thus need to be an independent person. We are definitely looking to increase the number of volunteers in the scheme. The Member had suggested parents. The parents of the suspects may have conflict of interest, or may be perceived to have a conflict of interest. So, we will not allow parents of the suspects themselves to be the AA in those circumstances. But where there are parents who want to volunteer as an AA to suspects who are not related to them, then, obviously, this is something that we would encourage.
With regard to training, currently, the volunteers, the AAs, go through structured training. They undergo a one-day training session which is conducted by the Singapore Children's Society. And the training is supported by the Association of Criminal Lawyers of Singapore, the Law Society of Singapore and the Attorney General's Chambers.
On the point about whether or not we should involve PDO, currently, where the suspects are concerned, we use a pamphlet of rights to inform all suspects of their rights prior to interviews. And the pamphlet is available to all Police stations. They are in very noticeable locations, in prominent areas, and this helps to standardise the way that suspects are informed of their rights during the investigation process.
Where suspects want to further obtain legal assistance or advice on their rights, this can be done through PDO or their own lawyers at various points of the investigation process, except that the lawyer will not be permitted to attend during the interview. So, I would just like to assure the Member that there is structured training made available to volunteers, the AAs, and that the young suspects will have access to help should they require it during all points of investigation.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Monitoring of and Measures to Minimise Spread of Monkeypox and Emerging Communicable Diseases in Singapore","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"11 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health with regard to the unprecedented spread of the monkeypox virus (a) what measures are in place to detect the disease at Singapore’s borders; (b) should the monkeypox virus spread to Singapore, what other measures will be activated, in addition to contact tracing and quarantine; and (c) as some symptoms of the monkeypox virus infection are similar to those of COVID-19 and dengue infections, whether guidelines will be provided to doctors and the public on how to stay vigilant for symptoms of this disease.
12 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health whether there is information on which demographic is more vulnerable to critical illnesses caused by the monkeypox virus.
13 Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Health in light of emerging communicable diseases, such as monkeypox and tuberculosis (a) how is the Ministry planning to step up preventive measures to control the spread of such infectious diseases within the population; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider encouraging limited vaccination for the more vulnerable groups, such as frontline staff and elderly residents.
14 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the prevalence of monkeypox; and (b) what are the Ministry’s plans to (i) mitigate the spread of the virus and (ii) educate the community on its risk factors and prevention.
\tThe Senior Minister of State for Health (Dr Janil Puthucheary) (for the Minister for Health): Mdm Deputy Speaker, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 11 to 14, please?
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Yes.
\tDr Janil Puthucheary: Madam, the issues raised in these four Parliamentary Questions (PQs) were answered in the combined answer that was provided yesterday which has been circulated to Members. But I am happy to take any supplementary questions that Members have today.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Any questions? Ms Joan Pereira.
\tMs Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar): Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. May I know what are the measures to prevent monkeypox from spreading and whether the Ministry would consider encouraging smallpox vaccination as a preventive measure, as they are thought to be about 85% effective against monkeypox infection?
\tDr Janil Puthucheary: Madam, as explained in the answer yesterday, hygiene measures, contact tracing of close contacts – all of which rest upon early detection and diagnosis – are the key measures to prevent the spread of monkeypox, which is a self-limiting illness, where patients recover and it largely does not cause serious illness.
Also, the issue of the smallpox vaccine was addressed in the answer yesterday. It is up to 85% effective in preventing monkeypox, but has significant side effects. And for the general population, the risks of complications outweigh the benefits because the general population is at low risk of being infected. So, we would reinforce personal responsibility to avoid high-risk activities, especially when symptomatic, and practising good personal hygiene, all of which remain very effective at reducing the risk of transmission in the general population.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Dr Lim Wee Kiak.
\tDr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang): Monkeypox has been endemic in Congo and certain parts of Africa. But what is the main factor responsible for this very elusive viral disease starting to spread to Europe as well as, now, to Asia? Although the current risk assessment by MOH of monkeypox is that it is still low to the general public, with the ongoing transmission, is there a risk that this virus may mutate into something more like its own cousin, smallpox, which had resulted in higher morbidity as well as mortality?
Last of all, how is MOH preparing for this? Is smallpox vaccination now available in Singapore? If not, when will it be made available, especially to vulnerable groups as well as healthcare workers who are dealing with this disease?
\tDr Janil Puthucheary: Mdm Deputy Speaker, I thank the Member for the questions. With respect to what is now the main factor for the spread, I would point out that it is spreading very slowly. This is not COVID-19. There was a total of 3,411 cases, I think, the last time WHO reported on this around the world in 49 countries. We only had one case here in Singapore.
The main reason for why it spreads to certain individuals is a combination of age as well as prolonged and extensive physical contact. Would it mutate like any virus? The Member would be aware that there is always a possibility for mutation. These are not things that can be predicted ahead of time.
How are we preparing for this? The surveillance around emerging infectious diseases within our healthcare system applies to a variety of diseases and would apply to monkeypox as well.
Smallpox vaccination is available in Singapore and can be used, for example, for healthcare workers who are at high risk or laboratory personnel who are handling such pathogens.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.
\tMr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang): Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I filed a PQ yesterday and it was answered in respect of the monkeypox situation. Just to clarify, in the answer, the Senior Minister of State mentioned that a small percentage of those can fall seriously ill, and 99% of the cases were men and have been self-identified as men who have sex with men. That is the data from the current multi-country outbreak indicated in Europe. So, my question is, given the risk factors involved, what would be the advisory and efforts for us to reach out to groups of the community that are more susceptible than others?
\tDr Janil Puthucheary: Mdm Deputy Speaker, I thank the Member for his question. There is no current evidence to suggest that the disease is sexually transmitted. And as I have mentioned earlier, it is prolonged and extensive physical contact. So, while the reported population does appear to be disproportionately men, and men who self-identify as men having sex with men, there is no specific advice for that community over and above the general advice around not coming into contact with persons who are demonstrating the signs of infection, taking appropriate steps yourself if you have signs of the infection and seeking medical care, isolating yourself to prevent further spread, and then participating in the contact tracing process.
As with all similar diseases, the personal responsibility around hygiene and your own state of health continues to apply and is extraordinarily important in preventing further spread of this disease.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being and Programmes to Improve Mental Health Literacy","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"15 Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Health with regard to the recommended strategy by the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being (a) whether the Government will consider elderly mental health as a separate pillar given the increasing proportion and vulnerability of the demographic; and (b) what outcomes and indicators are being set for the work of the Taskforce.
16 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry can provide an update on the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being, especially on its plans to improve mental health literacy among citizens and create an inclusive society for persons with mental health conditions.
17 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Health (a) what recourse is available to caregivers of elderly care recipients when the latter exhibit self-harm or aggressive behaviours which require emergency interventions; (b) whether the restructured hospitals, including the Institute of Mental Health, are equipped to handle these cases; and (c) how can geriatricians and social service agencies play a role in such case management.
\tThe Senior Minister of State for Health (Dr Janil Puthucheary) (for the Minister for Health): Mdm Deputy Speaker, may I have your permission to address Question Nos 15 to 17 in the Order Paper and written Parliamentary Questions (PQs) filed by Mr Christopher de Souza1,2 for the Sitting on or after 6 July please?
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Yes, please proceed.
\tDr Janil Puthucheary: Madam, the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being has conducted a review of existing mental health and well-being programmes and developed preliminary recommendations to support the mental health needs of all members of society, including youths and seniors. The task force's recommendations are aimed at creating a caring and inclusive society, where all can seek help and be supported to achieve mental health and well-being, and can participate meaningfully in our society.
The task force is currently embarking on a consultation exercise from 30 May 2022 to 7 August 2022 to seek the views of the public on its preliminary recommendations. The findings from the public consultation will enable the task force to refine the recommendations and develop a national strategy on mental health and well-being. Following this, indicators will be developed to measure the implementation progress and effectiveness of the strategy.
The task force has proposed 12 preliminary recommendations in three focus areas. The first focus area is improving accessibility, coordination and quality of mental health services. The second is strengthening of services and support for youths' mental well-being. And the third is improving workplace well-being measures and employment support.
Some of the recommendations include designating first-stop touchpoints for easier wayfinding of mental health services, standardising process and systems between social and healthcare providers for better coordination of care and equipping frontline service providers with the relevant mental health knowledge and competencies to support their clients.
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For our youths, we want to promote the positive use of technology and social media and propose to develop a parents' toolbox to enable parents to better support their children's socioemotional well-being.
At the workplace, we propose to improve mental well-being support systems and work-life harmony strategies and equip employers with knowledge on supporting persons with mental health needs.
In addition, there is a need to improve access to vocational training and increase job opportunities for persons with mental health conditions.
To promote mental health awareness and literacy in the population, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) launched the national campaign in October 2021 titled \"It’s OKAY to Reach Out\". The campaign aims to normalise discussions about and increase understanding of mental health issues. The campaign encourages us to reach out for help and, where possible, reach out to provide help. The campaign includes community dialogue sessions, activity-based workshops and educational webinars where participants learn more about mental well-being and equip themselves with practical coping tips as well as how to reach out to seek support and support others.
To complement this national campaign, HPB also rolled out MindSG, an online portal featuring resources curated by mental health experts to provide Singaporeans with credible, reliable and convenient access to important relevant content. HPB will be launching the second instalment of the \"It’s OKAY to Reach Out\" national campaign in the coming months.
There are existing mental health services to cater to the needs of persons with mental health conditions and their caregivers. Caregivers of elderly care recipients, in particular, those who exhibit self-harm or aggressive behaviours, can call the Institute of Mental Health (IMH)'s 24-hour Mental Health Helpline at 6389 2222 to seek help in managing crisis situations. Where necessary, IMH will also make home visits to provide crisis interventions.
When the acute psychiatric condition is stabilised, the elderly care recipients may be referred for follow-up at the outpatient clinics at the restructured hospitals where their care would be overseen by healthcare professionals trained in mental health, including psycho-geriatricians.
In the community, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) has worked with social service agencies to set up community intervention teams which can provide further support for these elderly care recipients through psychosocial therapeutic intervention and counselling.
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin.
\t
Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin (Ang Mo Kio): Thank you very much. I have two supplementary questions. The first is on my question about the focus on the elderly. I am very appreciative of the three focus areas as well as the 12 recommendations that we are seeking consultations on. However, in 2020, we saw the highest number of elderly suicides since 1991. While in 2021, the number has gone down slightly, it remains to be seen what the future might hold.
In any case, the vocabulary around elderly mental health is much less socialised. Many still consider it very taboo and I think —
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, please ask your question.
\tMs Nadia Ahmad Samdin: Yes. Sorry. So, my question is, will the task force consider focusing, as a special focus area, on the elderly's mental health and their caregivers as well?
The second part is, I appreciate focus area 1, but I think we need to be realistic that in order to have better access, quality and coordination of these services, we also need to have more resources because AIC and other agencies tend to be really overstretched. All the good work that is done in support —
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, ask your question, please.
\tMs Nadia Ahmad Samdin: Does the task force plan on providing more manpower and resources, other than just raising literacy and providing education?
\tDr Janil Puthucheary: I thank the Member for her questions. Mdm Deputy Speaker, if I may address the second one first. The task force is not planning only on raising literacy and providing education. We are looking at the entire strategy and the way in which we approach the deployment of resources, training of professionals, referral of clients across the ecosystem as well as the relationship between the healthcare and social care parts of our mental health infrastructure.
Within that space, there will be a need to look at the allocation of resources and the deployment of personnel. But I think we have to start at getting the strategy and systems in place first. Then, the task force will move on to other subtasks following on from that. Indeed, it is important to consider the needs of and support for the elderly who have mental health illnesses and those of their caregivers.
I would make three broad points.
The first is that for the seniors' mental health, we need to look at it a little bit differently partly because they often have concomitant, associated chronic health conditions. Both need to be dealt with together, holistically. So, it is a combined mental and health approach. That is what the professionals have been doing already.
Which is the second point, that is, that there are resources that are available, there are professionals working in this space. I mentioned the psycho-geriatricians and the other teams in my earlier answer. Another example would be the \"Live Well, Age Well\" programme, which is funded by MOH and jointly implemented by HPB and the People's Association, to augment existing seniors' programmes with a focus on mental well-being. More than 13,000 unique seniors participated in the programme in 2021.
The third point is that some of the efforts that we are making around the larger strategy of mental health will directly improve access to, and services for, the elderly, for example, the extent to which we are looking at the community care providers to bring some of these services closer to home, including, for example, eldercare centres.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Dr Wan Rizal.
Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar): Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker. I thank the Senior Minister of State for sharing the recommendations.
I hear the efforts by the interagency task force in reaching out and getting this. My question is, for those who are not reaching out, are there plans to increase these nodes or networks to allow them to be, in a way, screened or detected, so that we can prevent issues in terms of mental health?
\tDr Janil Puthucheary: Mdm Deputy Speaker, yes, we do want to increase the awareness of the need for mental health screening among the healthcare professionals and social care professionals that are working in this space, as well as to provide them with tools to do the screening and then, the onward referral. So, that is very much part of our strategy.
\t
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Ms Tin Pei Ling.
Ms Tin Pei Ling (MacPherson): I thank the Senior Minister of State. I would like to ask about IMH, which is usually the first port of call for the elderly exhibiting self-harm and aggressive behaviours, possibly induced by certain types of dementia, for example. Caregivers are often at a loss. Apart from calling the hotline for remote assistance, sometimes, they will choose to go to IMH. I would like to ask whether there have been instances where they had to be turned away or is the capacity at IMH sufficient to deal with such cases?
Related to that, sometimes, caregivers may feel that it is more expeditious to send the elderly to a nearby restructured hospital because, if there is self-harm, there may be personal danger. They may feel that it is safer to send the elderly to those settings. So, are restructured hospitals equipped to support such instances?
\tDr Janil Puthucheary: Madam, I thank the Member for the questions. The issue of dealing with an elderly patient who has a mental health condition and who then has a caregiver requiring assistance to deal with that situation, there is not a single solution – just as there is not a single archetype or a single set of challenges.
Indeed, the helpline is there for advice as well as to coordinate onward referral. Indeed, the family, the caregiver, can bring the senior to IMH if that is where they think the mental health condition is best dealt with and they can bring them to the restructured hospitals which are also equipped to deal with vulnerable persons, persons who are entirely dependent and people with acute mental health conditions deteriorating. The restructured hospitals and their emergency departments are equipped.
At the beginning, the Member talked about IMH being the first port of call. One of the things that we are looking at within the task force is to perhaps shift that perception that IMH has to both be the first port of call as well as the only port of call. I hope that is not what she was characterising the situation as.
We really do need a wider surface area, a wider spread of nodes, networks, the community organisations, the healthcare community as well as the social care community to participate in that response to support the mental health needs of our seniors. That is part of what the task force is going to try and do.
\t
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":["1 : To ask the Minister for Health whether a nationwide campaign can be utilised to generate greater awareness for mental health problems and to equip parents and peers with the appropriate soft skills to support those struggling with mental health.","2 : To ask the Minister for Health whether more campaigns on mental health can be propagated to make avenues and channels for help be more accessible to the public."],"footNoteQuestions":["15","16","17"],"questionNo":"15-17"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Proposal to Regulate Petrol and Diesel Pump Prices Given Recent Increases","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OA","content":"18 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Government will consider setting up a cooperative to supply petrol to help moderate the costs of fuel.
19 Mr Don Wee asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Ministry will regulate petrol and diesel pump prices in view of their escalating prices amid record profits for oil companies.
\tThe Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Ms Low Yen Ling) (for the Minister for Trade and Industry): Mdm Deputy Speaker, can I have your permission to take Question Nos 18 and 19 together?
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Please proceed.
\tMs Low Yen Ling: Global crude oil prices have risen significantly, driven by higher demand as economies reopen following the pandemic as well as constrained supplies due to sanctions against Russia and under-investment in fossil fuel production over the years. Fuel prices in Singapore have also risen in tandem.
In response to Ms Joan Pereira's question, retail pump operators, including cooperatives, which wish to supply fuel to independent motorists will need to operate at sites that are suitable for such purpose, including the need to comply with prevailing environmental, fire safety and other requirements. Such sites are identified and then allocated via competitive tender from time to time. So, a cooperative may not be able to offer lower pump prices unless they can secure lower-cost supplies.
In response to Mr Don Wee's question, regulating or capping petrol or diesel pump prices will distort the market and serve to benefit car owners, especially those who consume more, who may include more well-to-do users. It will also reduce the incentive for Singaporeans to switch to more energy-efficient modes of transport.
Instead, the Government's approach is to ensure that we have a competitive fuel retail market.
I want to assure all Members and the House that the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) monitors the fuel market closely and will not hesitate to investigate the practices of the retail operators. We will take firm enforcement actions against any anti-competitive behaviour.
I would also like to encourage motorists to make good use of the Fuel Kaki website, developed by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), to compare the effective price of petrol and diesel across retailers, including the various discounts and rebates being offered.
In addition, the Government is also providing targeted assistance to the groups hardest hit by rising fuel costs.
Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced support measures for self-employed persons whose livelihoods depend on their vehicles. Eligible taxi main hirers and private hire car drivers will receive a one-off relief of $150 next month. Drivers of combi buses and limousines who are members of the National Private Hire Vehicle Association, as well as delivery drivers and delivery motorcycle riders who are members of the National Delivery Champions Association can apply for a one-off cash relief of up to $300 next month under the NTUC U FSE Relief Scheme 2022.
The Government will review the fuel retail market to determine if there are other ways to alleviate the pressure on fuel prices. We will continue to monitor the situation and will not hesitate to provide more assistance if required.
\tMdm Deputy Speaker: Mr Don Wee.
Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I am glad to know that MTI sees the need for a review of the fuel retail market. May I know what are the aims of this review and how will the review ensure that the fuel prices are representative of the global competitive fuel market?
\tMs Low Yen Ling: I want to thank the Member, Mr Don Wee, for his two supplementary questions.
The MTI review will cover how the global developments as well as the practices of our fuel retail operators have led to the pricing trends seen so far. To support this study, CCCS has gotten in touch with the retail fuel operators for data on the fuel price movements.
I want to use this opportunity to assure everyone in the House that the Government continues to ensure that we have a conducive and also competitive business environment where consumers have options, choices and are able to enjoy competitive prices.
At the same time, we will also maintain our efforts to make sure there is price transparency for our consumers. For instance, the Fuel Kaki website not only helps consumers to compare prices among the fuel retailers but also allows them to estimate the effective price per litre that they pay, after factoring in loyalty programmes and promotions.
If the findings of the review suggest that there are ways to improve the fuel retail market, I want to assure the Member that the Government is, certainly, open to consider all measures that could enhance the effectiveness of the fuel retail market. Rest assured that the Government is committed to ensuring a competitive fuel retail market.
[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), written answers to questions not reached by the end of Question Time are reproduced in the Appendix, unless Members had asked for questions standing in their names to be postponed to a later Sitting day or withdrawn.]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"BP","content":"[(proc text) Order for Second Reading read. (proc text)]
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.
The Senior Minister of State for Finance (Mr Chee Hong Tat) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance): Mdm Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, I beg to move, \"That the Bill be now read a Second time.\"
The Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill 2022 introduces the Additional Conveyance Duties for Trust, or ACD (Trust), and imposes stamp duty in relation to the renunciation of interest by a beneficial owner in a residential property that is held on a trust.
If passed by Parliament, the amendments in the Bill will take effect on 10 May 2022, that is, one day after the First Reading of the Bill. As the Bill amendments are market-sensitive, this approach brings the Bill into effect the day after its introduction.
Before I go through the key amendments in the Bill, let me explain the rationale for the changes.
Today, residential properties can be acquired directly or via equity interests, including unlisted shares, in Property Holding Entities, or PHEs. These refer to entities whose primary tangible assets are residential properties in Singapore.
Direct acquisitions of residential property are subject to Buyer's Stamp Duty, or BSD, and, where applicable, Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty or ABSD.
Acquisitions of unlisted shares in PHEs are subject to share duty of 0.2%, based on the purchase price or the value of the shares. Such acquisitions may also be subject to ACD, if the acquirer is a significant owner of the PHE or becomes one after the acquisition. A significant owner is a person who beneficially owns at least 50% of the equity interests or voting power in the PHE.
ACD was introduced in 2017 to address the stamp duty rate differential that previously existed between the direct acquisition or disposal of residential properties and the acquisition or disposal of equity interests in PHEs. ABSD and ACD thus operate together to promote a stable and sustainable residential property market in Singapore.
Madam, previously, when a residential property was transferred into a living trust with no identifiable beneficial owner of the property at the time of transfer, ABSD did not apply.
As trusts are complex instruments and serve diverse purposes, the Government carefully studied the issue before deciding on how transfers of residential properties into trusts would be treated. We then introduced Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty for Trust, or ABSD (Trust), on 8 May 2022, which took effect on 9 May 2022.
ACD (Trust) follows from the introduction of ABSD (Trust). With ACD (Trust), ACD may apply when equity interests in a PHE are transferred into a living trust, regardless of whether there is an identifiable beneficial owner of those interests at the time of transfer.
These changes ensure similar stamp duty treatment for transfers of residential property or equity interests in a PHE, whether acquired directly or through a trust.
If an Institution of a Public Character, or IPC, is the sole beneficial owner of the residential property or equity interests in a PHE transferred into the trust, among other conditions, the IPC can apply for a remission of ABSD (Trust) or ACD (Trust). Today, donations of immovable property or unlisted shares to IPCs qualify for stamp duty remission.
Let me elaborate on ACD (Trust), which is, primarily, provided for under clause 5 of the Bill.
To determine whether ACD (Trust) applies to the acquisition of equity interests in a PHE that are to be held on a trust for beneficiaries who are not identifiable beneficial owners, we will consider the equity interests in the PHE that are to be held by the trustee of the trust for those beneficiaries.
This consideration is only of the portion of interests to be held on trust for those beneficiaries. For example, if the trustee is to hold 10% equity interests in a PHE for identifiable beneficial owners and another 5% for other beneficiaries who are not identifiable beneficial owners, only the 5% equity interests will be considered to be held by the trustee for the purpose of determining whether ACD (Trust) applies. ACD (Trust) will apply in such a case only if the trustee is a significant owner with at least 50% equity interests or voting power in the PHE or becomes one after the acquisition.
In determining the trustee's significant ownership status, the equity interests that are beneficially owned by the trustee's associates will be treated as beneficially owned by the trustee. A treatment for associates already exists in the ACD regime to cover arrangements under which individual buyers act in concert to purchase equity interests, with the objective of avoiding ACD. Examples of associates include parents, children, spouses and associated companies.
In assessing whether an identifiable beneficial owner of equity interests in a PHE is a significant owner of the PHE, the interests beneficially owned by the beneficial owner and the beneficial owner's associates will be considered.
In the instance where a trustee holds equity interests for a beneficiary who is not an identifiable beneficial owner of those interests at the time of their transfer into the trust, such a beneficiary is considered an associate of the trustee in determining whether the trustee is a significant owner of the PHE. This definition of associates will be provided for in subsidiary legislation.
If ACD (Trust) applies, the trustee will be liable to pay ACD (Trust) at the prevailing ACD rates of up to 44% for buyers, comprising 40% ABSD and up to 4% BSD.
ACD (Trust) may also apply if the trustee, being a significant owner of a PHE, disposes of the trustee's equity interests that were held on trust for a beneficiary who is not an identifiable beneficial owner. If the trustee disposes of the equity interests within three years after acquiring them, the trustee will be liable to pay ACD at the prevailing ACD rate of 12% for sellers, equivalent to the highest Seller's Stamp Duty, or SSD, rate.
In addition, where the trustee transfers equity interests to a beneficiary of the trust who was not an identifiable beneficial owner of those interests at the time they were transferred into the trust, the beneficiary will be liable to pay the prevailing ACD for buyers if the beneficiary is a significant owner or becomes one after the transfer. Clause 3 of the Bill provides for this.
Next, clause 4 of the Bill introduces a new section 22C which imposes a statutory duty on the original beneficial owner of a trust residential property who renounces his or her interest in the property, such that this interest reverts to the settlor of the trust. The original beneficial owner is one who beneficially owns the property at the time it is transferred into the trust.
The original beneficial owner must give a written notice of the renunciation to the settlor and to the Commissioner of Stamp Duties within a specified period. If he or she fails to do so, and the Commissioner becomes aware of this, for example, through IRAS' regular audit, the Commissioner may give the notice to the original beneficial owner and the settlor instead. For his or her failure to give notice, the original beneficial owner will be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
The notice, whether given by the original beneficial owner or the Commissioner, will be chargeable with stamp duty. Specifically, the settlor will be liable to pay BSD and, where applicable, ABSD. If the interest in the trust residential property is renounced within three years after the original beneficial owner first has beneficial ownership of the interest, the original beneficial owner will also be liable to pay SSD.
For any duty paid late or not paid, the original beneficial owner or the settlor will have to pay a penalty of up to four times the duty payable, which is the penalty under the current Stamp Duties Act.
This treatment for the renunciation of interest by an original beneficial owner will ensure that where the beneficial ownership of a trust residential property reverts to the settlor, the settlor would have to pay stamp duty, similar to if he or she had acquired the property directly.
Clauses 8 and 9 make transitional provisions to modify the application of the Bill to matters occurring between 10 May 2022 and the date the amending Act is published in the Gazette. On that, Mdm Deputy Speaker, I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): Madam, this Bill introduces Additional Conveyance Duties for Trust (ACD (Trust)) and stamp duty treatment for the renunciation of interest in residential property held on trust. This will harmonise the stamp duty treatment for equity interests held in trust.
ACD (Trust), along with the introduction of Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) for transfer of residential property into a living trust – ABSD (Trust) – will help to raise tax revenues and go towards stabilising the property market.
I have two short clarifications to raise on this Bill.
First, in determining whether a grantee or grantor is a significant owner of a property holding entity, the new section 23 will take into account equity interests held by an associate of the grantor or grantee.
IRAS has provided on its website guidance on who is to be deemed an associate. This includes parties with an agreement or arrangement, whether oral, written, expressed, implied, to act together to acquire, hold or dispose of equity interest in, or to exercise votes.
Determining the existence of an oral or implied agreement or arrangement is a very fact-specific exercise that can be very time- and resource-consuming. It does not seem practical for IRAS to be undertaking such an assessment for every transaction. Can the Senior Minister of State clarify under what circumstances will IRAS undertake the process to determine the existence of any oral or implied agreement or arrangement?
Second, my clarification has to do with the related changes to the ABSD regime. The new ABSD (Trust) will only apply to instruments executed on or after 9 May 2022. It is not intended to apply retrospectively. There may be a case of a discretionary trust with no identifiable beneficial trust that was set up before 9 May 2022 where action was subsequently taken after 9 May 2022 to appoint assets to an identifiable beneficiary or to distribute assets to any identifiable beneficiary.
Can the Senior Minister of State clarify if the documents which arise after 9 May 2022 for such a trust is stampable under the new ABSD (Trust) regime? Madam, notwithstanding these short clarifications, I stand in support of the Bill.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis (Sengkang): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I would like, first, to declare my interest as an analyst looking at the real estate sector.
Mdm Deputy Speaker, when I first came across the term \"stamp duties\", I thought to myself, \"that is a very expensive piece of stamp, compared to the 20- to 30-cent ones we stick on envelopes!\" The second discovery was that, much to my disappointment, there was no physical adhesive stamp involved and all documents chargeable for stamp duty are \"stamped\" electronically or through the e-stamping system.
Most adult Singaporeans would have encountered, or rather, paid stamp duties at various points in their life, most commonly, when buying property. And, indeed, stamp duty is a tax on dutiable documents relating to any immovable property in Singapore and any stock or shares. These include the sale and purchase of property, lease or rental of property, mortgage of property and shares and shares transfers.
Beyond a revenue collection tool, stamp duty has also evolved to play a significant role as a macro-prudential tool to address risks in the property sector, especially in the past decade or so. This is the case not just in Singapore, but also in other jurisdictions, such as Hong Kong and Australia, as well.
From a simple Buyer's Stamp Duty, or BSD, this has now evolved to include Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty, or ABSD, and Seller's Stamp Duty, or SSD, for certain classes of property, such as residential and industrial properties. The differentiated rates of stamp duty have also been adjusted ever so frequently, most recently, in the December 2021 round of cooling measures where Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) buying their second and subsequent property and all foreigners and entities saw raised ABSD rates of 5% to 15%.
Nonetheless, as a tax that is levied on the market values of leases, properties and shares, stamp duty receipts are affected by the stage of the market cycle and, more importantly, should grow over time, in tandem with inflation. From around $1.26 billion in FY2000, stamp duty receipts have grown to $3.28 billion in FY2010 and $3.9 billion in FY2020. What is most impressive about this revenue source is that this growth over the past decade or so is despite the smaller Government Land Sales programme and a lower level of property market transactions today.
More recently, stamp duty receipts in FY2021 have turned out to be higher than what was initially projected by the Government, from an initial estimate of $4.25 billion in Budget 2021 to the revised estimate of $6.45 billion as of Budget 2022, to actual receipts of $6.76 billion, which, I believe, is a record high.
So, the positive surprise to stamp duty receipts worked out to be about $2.5 billion or 59% higher, as compared to what was initially budgeted for in Budget 2021. For FY2022, stamp duty receipts are expected to remain robust at $5.24 billion.
More broadly, I have also observed that actual operating revenue collections for FY2021 have turned out to be higher, as compared to what was initially budgeted for in Budget 2021 and even the revised estimate as of Budget 2022 announced earlier this year. Overall, operating revenues worked out to be $82.5 billion for FY2021, $5.8 billion higher, compared to $76.6 billion as initially budgeted for in Budget 2021 and $2.1 billion higher than the revised estimate of $80.4 billion as of Budget 2022.
This would already be more than sufficient to cover the $1.5 billion support package announced on 21 June. So, I do agree with the Government that there need not be a further draw from the reserves, as the package can simply be funded from the better-than-expected fiscal outturn in FY2021.
In fact, it also appears that while FY2021 operating revenues are higher by about $2.1 billion compared to the revised estimate presented earlier this year, both operating and development expenditures are lower by a combined $3.6 billion, which, I understand, is due to lower-than-budgeted spending on COVID-19 response measures as the Omicron variant turned out less severe than expected.
Combining higher revenues and lower expenses would mean that the Government's primary deficit improved by $5.7 billion, which, again, is more than sufficient to cover the recent $1.5 billion package. So, I do hope that the Government will stand ready to support Singaporeans should inflation and macroeconomic conditions deteriorate from hereon.
Returning to the proposed amendments to the Stamp Duty Act, I note that this Bill introduces the Additional Conveyance Duties for Trust and the stamp duty treatment for renunciation of interest in residential property that is held on a trust. MOF's announcement of the ACD (Trust) follows closely the announcement on the introduction of the ABSD (Trust) on 8 May 2022, which, I recognise, plugs a gap in the existing ABSD and ACD regimes.
I am reminded of a news article I read in The Business Times late last year, which reported that a certain crypto billionaire – well, at least back then – was at an early stage of buying a S$48.8 million Good Class Bungalow (GCB) as trustee for his nearly three-year-old child. This transaction apparently closed in March this year, but I wonder if headlines, such as this, prompted MOF to undertake a review of the ABSD regime?
More broadly, the practice of purchasing residential properties via trusts has been well documented since the implementation of the ABSD regime about a decade ago.
Not having to pay ABSD for what would have been a multiple property purchase, but with no access to financing were the key features of such purchases, in what some would call a loophole, albeit a well-publicised one.
While I recognise that this was born out of a periodic policy review, will the Minister shed light on what were the considerations and why is the gap only closed now and not years ago? What were the number and dollar value of such transactions which have made use of this gap in the ABSD regime, and was there a material increase in such transactions which prompted the MOF review?
That said, I view this development with a glass-half-full lens and it could even be seen as a form of wealth tax which has a targeted and narrow scope. With concerns that residential property prices have continued to be firm despite the December cooling measures and amid rising interest rate concerns, was the implementation of the ABSD and ACD (Trusts) meant to achieve a signalling effect to the market, particularly amid news just last month of how an individual acquired 20 units at Canninghill Piers, a luxury condominium along the Singapore River, for over S$85 million, despite the recently raised ABSD rates for foreigners in December last year?
With the introduction of ACD (Trust), as included in the Bill, I recognise that this will go hand in hand with the policy intent of ABSD (Trust), of which I am supportive. I am again reminded of news from yesteryears, when ACD itself first came into effect in March 2017. Unbeknownst to many, stamp duties on the transfer of shares in a company are only levied on net asset values, and at a mere 0.2%, significantly lower in rate and tax base, as compared to buyers' stamp duties and ABSD levied on the value of the residential properties themselves. Back then, there were several bulk sales of properties by developers via the sale of property holding entities, to avoid extension charges under the qualifying certificate, or QC, conditions for not completing the sale of all residential properties by certain deadlines. This loophole was, subsequently, closed with the introduction of ACD.
While I recognise the policy intent of QC and ABSD in ensuring developers do not hoard inventory, the current ABSD remission rules for developers, in particular, cause greater cyclicality in the residential market, arguably, as it imposes harsh ABSD penalties for failing to complete the sale of all residential units within the prescribed period. This would apply, regardless of whether the project has 2,000, 200 or 20 units to begin with, and could even have discouraged developers from triggering for what would have been our first master developer site in Kampong Bugis. As part of its periodic policy review, is MOF looking at reviewing the ABSD remission conditions for property developers to ensure greater stability in the property market?
Finally, I read with interest recent news in Australia, which highlighted that New South Wales is planning to give first-time home buyers a choice of not paying for upfront stamp duty but to replace this with an annual property tax which is paid over a period of time instead.
Stamp duties represent a not insignificant upfront cost for home buyers even in Singapore. Using the median resale price of a 4-room HDB flat in Sengkang of $510,000, stamp duties would amount to $9,900. While this may not mean much in percentage terms as compared to the price of the flat, in absolute terms, assuming one saves $500 a month, stamp duties could represent close to 20 months' worth of savings. Again, as part of a periodic policy review, would the Government consider such a move in reducing upfront property purchase costs, particularly with continuing momentum in increasing HDB resale prices, which are now up by a worrying 19% in the last 18 months alone? Notwithstanding my clarifications, I support the Bill.
Mr Leong Mun Wai (Non-Constituency Member): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill. However, the Government should have introduced this Bill at least 10 years ago, perhaps around 2011, when the Additional Buyers' Stamp Duty (ABSD) was introduced. We are disappointed that the Government has allowed loopholes in the ABSD scheme to be left open and exploited by some rich buyers of properties for so long.
We ask the Government to tell us the number and value of properties transferred to living trusts since the introduction of ABSD in 2011. And are there any properties being sold to realise a profit while under a living trust without paying the ABSD?
Given Singapore already has a tax regime that favours the rich, such tax loopholes are inexcusable and should be dealt with strictly. Thus, we propose two amendments to this new Bill.
Firstly, to apply this Bill retrospectively to all properties transferred to living trusts since the introduction of ABSD in 2011 and the ABSD be collected retrospectively, based on the ABSD rates at the time of the purchase.
Secondly, the ABSD should be charged at the point of transfer from now on, only to be refunded after the settler has passed away. This will eliminate the trouble of having to determine whether the living trust is genuine or not.
Mdm Deputy Speaker, in Mandarin, please.
(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill to levy stamp duty on living trusts. However, the Government should have introduced this Bill at least 10 years ago, around 2011, when the Additional Buyer Stamp Duty (ABSD) was introduced.
We are disappointed that the Government has allowed loopholes in ABSD to be left open and exploited by some rich buyers of properties for so long.
We ask the Government to tell us the number and value of properties transferred to living trusts since the introduction of ABSD in 2011. And are there any properties being sold to realise a profit while under a living trust without paying ABSD?
Given Singapore already has a tax regime that favours the rich, such tax loopholes are inexcusable and should be dealt with strictly. Thus, we propose two amendments to this new Bill. Firstly, to apply this new Bill retrospectively to all properties transferred to living trusts since the introduction of ABSD in 2011 and ABSD should be collected retrospectively, based on ABSD rates at the time of the purchases.
Secondly, ABSD should be charged at the point of transfer from now on, only to be refunded after the settlor has passed away. This will eliminate the trouble of having to determine whether the living trust is genuine or not.
Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill and propose that a thorough review of property market policies be conducted by the Government before Singaporeans are further disadvantaged.
(In English): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I support the Bill and propose that a more thorough review of the property market policies be conducted by the Government before Singaporeans are further disadvantaged.
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Order. I propose to take a break now and I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 3.50 pm.
Sitting accordingly suspended
at 3.30 pm until 3.50 pm.
Sitting resumed at 3.50 pm.
[Deputy Speaker (Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo) in the Chair]
[(proc text) Debate resumed. (proc text)]
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Order. Mr Don Wee.
Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I declare that I am working with a Singaporean bank and I am a council member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, but I do not handle any client.
I rise in support of the Bill. I am in favour of applying the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 35% on any transfer of residential property into a living trust, even if there is no identifiable beneficial owner at the point of transfer. As such trusts are instruments only available to the ultra-high-net-worth individuals who can afford to pay for the properties in cash, it is all the more important that we close the loopholes which may be exploited by such buyers to avoid paying ABSD.
Similarly, the introduction of the Additional Conveyance Duties (ACD) for Trust and the stamp duty treatment for renunciation of interest in residential property that is held on a trust, are welcomed, particularly during this period of widening income equality. I agree with the Ministry that such measures are necessary to promote an equitable and sustainable residential property market, where the high-net-worth individuals should not have a particular advantage in avoiding taxes which other property buyers would have to pay.
I have some questions.
Firstly, as the amendments only apply to instruments executed from 9 May 2022, what about a pre-existing trust if a trustee subsequently appoints assets to an identifiable beneficiary or distributes assets to any identifiable beneficiary?
Secondly, would the amendments apply to trusts incorporated overseas, for example, in a tax haven like British Virgin Islands? Investors may seek to transfer ownership of properties into such trusts to avoid the duties.
Since ABSD was introduced in December 2011, the Government has reviewed and raised the rates, to ensure a stable residential property market. Government has also made refinements, including introducing ACD, to ensure that the policies meet the objectives. However, based on feedback that we hear from time to time, the interest to find ways to avoid such duties will remain and even grow stronger. What will MOF do to ensure that ABSD and ACD will not be easily avoided? Mdm Deputy Speaker, in Mandarin.
(In Mandarin): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Mdm Deputy Speaker, how much more are these stamp duties expected to contribute to our tax revenues? Lastly, may I ask the Minister what is the expected impact on Singapore as a wealth management hub? Would these changes reduce Singapore’s appeal to the ultra-high-net-worth group?
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Mdm Deputy Speaker, I thank Members Mr Louis Ng, Mr Louis Chua, Mr Leong Mun Wai and Mr Don Wee for speaking on the Bill and giving their support for the proposed amendments. Let me address their queries.
Madam, ABSD (Trust) is applicable if the residential property is transferred into a living trust on or after 9 May 2022. This applies for both pre-existing trusts and new trusts created on or after 9 May 2022. Living trusts are trusts that come into existence during the lifetime of the person who created it.
Mr Louis Ng and Mr Don Wee have asked whether ABSD (Trust) applies where: the transfer of residential property into a living trust took place before 9 May 2022, which is the effective date of ABSD (Trust); and there is a subsequent appointment or distribution of the property to a beneficiary of the trust on or after 9 May 2022.
Since the transfer of residential property took place before 9 May 2022, ABSD (Trust) does not apply, including to a subsequent distribution of the property by the trustee to a beneficiary of the trust on or after 9 May 2022.
Madam, Mr Louis Chua and Mr Leong Mun Wai asked why ABSD (Trust) and ACD (Trust) were not introduced earlier. Before the introduction of ABSD (Trust), transfers of residential property into a trust with an identifiable beneficial owner are subject to ABSD. So, the situation is not entirely as what Mr Louis Chua described and certainly not what Mr Leong Mun Wai said in his speech.
ABSD collected for transfers into trusts where there is an identifiable beneficial owner of the property was not separately tracked before 9 May 2022. It was instead accounted for according to the profile of the identifiable beneficial owner. So, we look at the profile of the beneficial identifiable owner to determine what is the ABSD that is due.
As I have explained in my Second Reading speech, ABSD would not apply before 9 May 2022 for trusts which do not have an identifiable beneficial owner. And this is what the proposed changes for ABSD (Trust) and ACD (Trust) seek to address – to ensure that ABSD and ACD continue to remain relevant as property market cooling measures, irrespective of whether trusts are used or not.
Trusts can be set up for different reasons, including for non-tax purposes, such as to provide for charitable giving. They can involve highly complex arrangements. Given the diversity and complexity of trust instruments, we decided to study the proposed changes carefully and do a thorough review, so that we could achieve our policy objectives while avoiding unintended consequences.
I am glad that all the Members who have spoken agree with the proposed changes. This will allow us to move forward to apply the new changes with effect from 9 May in the manner which I described earlier. [Please refer to \"Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Finance\", Official Reports, 5 July 2022, Vol 95, Issue No 64, Corrections by Written Statements section.]
It is important for us to also remember that when we implement some of these changes, we also have to bear in mind how they will fit in with our overall system of governance and rule of law. Mr Leong Mun Wai mentioned that we should – if I heard him correctly – retrospectively apply some of these changes to previous transfers, previous transactions. I think it would not be fair or appropriate for us to do that – to apply these changes retrospectively – because this will undermine the rule of law and it would also affect the confidence that the public and businesses have in the certainty that Singapore offers.
Mr Leong Mun Wai also mentioned whether we could refund ABSD only when the creator of the trust or the settler has died, again, if I heard him correctly. Madam, we collect fully, upfront, at the point of transfer of the property into the trust. That is what we would do. So, we actually collect the full amount upfront and we only refund when certain conditions are met, and you would have to apply. So, this, actually, is even better than what Mr Leong Mun Wai mentioned, which is to only refund when the creator or the settler has passed away.
Importantly, Madam, we also have to take a look at what is our overall tax and transfer system. So, I do not agree with what Mr Leong Mun Wai said that our tax and transfer system benefit the rich. That is not true.
Overall, our tax and transfer system is fair and progressive and, in fact, the Government has been raising asset-related taxes repeatedly. We did this in Budget 2010, 2013, 2018 and, more recently, in 2022. In Budget 2015 and Budget 2022, we also raised the income tax for higher income earners.
So, overall, our system of taxes and benefits is a fair and progressive one. It is one where everyone contributes but those who have more will pay more, contribute more than what they receive in terms of benefits. It is a fair and progressive system.
Madam, Mr Louis Ng asked about how IRAS determines the existence of an associate relationship between parties with an oral or implied agreement or arrangement to acquire, hold or dispose of equity interests or to exercise votes in a property holding entity. The associate relationship Mr Louis Ng refers to is part of the current definition of \"associates\" under the existing ACD regime and it is not an amendment that is being proposed in this Bill.
I had earlier explained that where a trustee holds equity interests for a beneficiary who is not an identifiable beneficial owner of those interests at the time of their transfer into the trust, such a beneficiary is considered an associate of the trustee in determining whether the trustee is a significant owner of the PHE. And this definition of associates will be provided for in subsidiary legislation.
Let me briefly explain how IRAS will determine the existence of an oral or implied agreement or arrangement.
Today, if ACD is payable, the grantee or grantor is required to stamp the instrument and submit to IRAS a copy of the instrument and supporting documents.
These supporting documents include a declaration of associates and the equity interests in the PHE that they beneficially own. And this includes associates who are parties with an oral or implied agreement or arrangement.
IRAS will conduct a thorough assessment of the documents submitted, including verifying the existence of any oral or implied agreement or arrangement, using a risk-based approach. For instance, IRAS may interview the parties involved.
Madam, the large majority of our taxpayers comply with stamp duty requirements. We have stringent enforcement in Singapore and there are stiff penalties for tax evasion, whether on stamp duties or other taxes. So, for people who are thinking of circumventing the rules, please do not, because there will be a price to pay when you are caught.
Mr Don Wee asked how much more the new stamp duties are expected to contribute to Government revenue. Mr Louis Chua also alluded to this in his speech.
ABSD (Trust), ACD (Trust) and the imposition of stamp duty on the renunciation of a trust property, are not intended to be wealth taxes or revenue-raising measures. Rather, they are part of our residential property market cooling measures.
We are unable to determine at this juncture the revenue that will be raised from ABSD (Trust), ACD (Trust) and the stamp duty on the renunciation of a trust property as this depends on the extent to which individuals will transfer a property or equity interests in PHEs into living trusts in future.
Mr Don Wee has asked whether the amendments would apply to a trust created overseas.
These amendments are applicable to two groups of instruments. First, an instrument executed in Singapore. Second, an instrument executed outside of Singapore, relating to a property situated in Singapore and received in Singapore. So, this is regardless of whether the trust is created locally or overseas.
Mr Louis Chua asked whether MOF is reviewing the ABSD remission conditions for housing developers.
Madam, the Ministry answered a Parliamentary Question on this in November 2021 and our position remains the same. The three- and five-year deadlines for non-licensed and licensed developers to sell their developments remain relevant to ensure a timely sale of such units to the market instead of keeping them for future sale for possibly higher prices. The deadlines also encourage developers to bid for residential land prudently. The vast majority of developers are able to meet these deadlines.
Mr Louis Chua also asked if the Government would consider a move similar to what was done in New South Wales, Australia, to replace the upfront stamp duty with an annual property tax for first-time home buyers who purchase properties below a certain amount. In this case, it was A$1.5 million.
According to reports from the New South Wales government, the home ownership rate had declined for each generation since the baby boomers. For example, 60% of people born between 1942 and 1951 owned homes by age 25 to 34. This dropped by 15 percentage points to 45% for those born 1982 to 1991.
So, the context in Singapore is different. Our home ownership rates remain high. About 90% of Singaporean families own their own homes. And there is no ABSD for Singaporeans who are buying their first residential property.
Importantly, we have good quality public housing which caters to the housing needs of the large majority of our first-time buyers. With subsidies and grants and with mortgage financing provided by HDB, our public housing – HDB flats – remains affordable for first-time home buyers. Close to 90% of first-timer families who bought their flats this year service their housing loans fully using CPF, with no cash payments.
So, it is important for us to bear in mind the differences in our context and our situation when we consider whether we want to adopt ideas and practices from overseas jurisdictions. Their policies are designed to tackle their challenges, which may not be the same as what we face in Singapore.
Finally, Mr Don Wee asked about the expected impact on Singapore as a wealth management hub.
ABSD or ACD already apply to purchases of residential properties in Singapore or transfers of equity interests in property holding entities, as part of our property market cooling measures. The proposed amendments in this Bill are to ensure a fair and consistent tax treatment when such purchases or transfers are made through trusts.
We do not expect ABSD (Trust), ACD (Trust) and the imposition of stamp duty on the renunciation of a trust property to affect Singapore's position as a wealth management hub. Mdm Deputy Speaker, I beg to move.
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Any clarifications? Mr Leong Mun Wai.
Mr Leong Mun Wai: Mdm Deputy Speaker, thank you. And I thank the Senior Minister of State for replying to my questions. I would like to make two clarifications.
One is, my understanding is that, in the past, before 9 May 2022, ABSD is not collected from trusts that do not have identifiable beneficiaries. If that is the case, if my understanding is right, can I have the number of trusts that have taken advantage of this ABSD loophole? If the number is available, I would like to have it. If not, another time will do.
Secondly, with regard to my point about Singapore being a place that favours the rich, of course, it can be a matter of opinion. But I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State if he has the following characteristics inside the tax system, does he consider it favouring the rich or not.
One, no estate duty.
Two, low personal income taxes, even at 22% or 24% after the revision this year, after the Budget. The effective income tax is actually lower than that. Of course, if you are very rich, you have an income of $5 million, you may be very close to the 24%. But our sliding income tax structure means that the effective tax rate is actually lower than the highest income tax rate. So, generally, our personal income tax is very low.
Third, no capital gains tax.
Fourth, no tax on interest, one layer of tax on dividends only, which is quite extraordinary, compared to other countries.
So, with all these, can we still say that our system is one that favours the rich?
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Senior Minister of State.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Thank you, Mdm Deputy Speaker.
Madam, we do not have data on the number of property transfers that had taken place through trust where there is no identifiable beneficiary owner before 9 May 2022. But as I have said earlier in my response, I thank Members for their support. If Parliament approves this Bill, with the amendments, moving forward, this is something that, therefore, we will be able to track, we will be able to impose, to ensure that ABSD and ACD are collected, whether it is done directly or through trusts.
I do not wish to veer into a separate debate about the tax system in general because this debate today is on the Second Reading of the Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill. So, we will focus on the contents of the Bill.
But maybe, just to reiterate, to assure Mr Leong Mun Wai and also Members of the House, that if you look at our tax and benefits system as a whole, and rather than pick and choose individual items, if you consider the tax and benefits system as a whole, where taxes are paid, benefits are given, reallocations are done, Singapore's system is one which is fair and progressive. Why? Because everybody contributes, but those who earn more, those who have more, will contribute more. Those who have less, those who are more vulnerable, the lower-income, they will receive more benefits and more help. That, to me, is what a fair and just society is about.
[(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 Chee Hong Tat]. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Adjournment","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OS","content":"[(proc text) Resolved, \"That at its rising today, Parliament do stand adjourned to a date to be fixed. – [Ms Indranee Rajah]. (proc text)]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Tackling the Macro Picture in Rising Cost of Living Challenges","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"OS","content":"ADJOURNMENT MOTION
The Leader of the House (Ms Indranee Rajah): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I beg to move, \"That Parliament do now adjourn.\"
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim (Sengkang): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I wish to speak today on how macroeconomic policy can and should play a role in addressing our cost of living challenges.
As Members on both sides of this House are aware, the state of inflation in Singapore is not good. Since the start of the year, inflation in the prices faced by consumers has averaged 4.9%. This is more than double the rate of 2.3% in 2021. It is also close to double the average since our nation's Independence.
The pain of this rising cost of living is even more keenly felt by the average household and small business.
Food inflation is up to 4.5%, more than three times higher than last year. While news headlines and my mother's constant reminders focus on costly chicken and the threat to what most would consider our national dish, chicken rice, prices of all kinds of meat are up almost 6%. Eggs are about 30% pricier and even those choosing a healthier diet face vegetables that are 5% more expensive.
Another area where prices have shot up is energy. I am certain I am not the only Member here who has received irate emails from residents who have expressed shock and dismay at their utilities bills. Small wonder. Electricity is up 20% – dearer than it was a year ago – and gas, more than 10%. This not only means that more of us have to think twice before turning the air conditioner on; it also means that our small businesses, already operating on lower sales because of the pandemic, face even thinner margins.
With fuel prices up by a quarter, it is unsurprising that transportation is now more expensive, with price rises in the teens, compared to a year ago. This is not affecting just those who have the luxury of owning cars or getting on planes for the holidays. Public transportation costs are up more than 7%. For families that rely on the occasional taxi or private hire car (PHC) to get their kids to school when they are running late, this option has become that much more difficult.
When the prices of what we eat, getting to work and keeping our homes and businesses running are all rising rapidly, this is not an inflation problem any longer. It is a cost of living crisis. It is, therefore, incumbent on policymakers to do what they can to alleviate the pain felt by the people.
To be clear, the drivers of inflation are multifaceted. A significant part of inflation is global in nature. For example, the prices of commodities, such as food and energy, have climbed higher since the middle of last year. The war in Ukraine fed further uncertainty and led to spikes in the prices of wheat, corn and sunflower oil.
Supply chain pressures, not just in China, where the administration's stubborn adherence to a zero-COVID policy has led to rolling lockdowns, but also globally, have meant more upward pressure on prices for the rest of us.
Tight labour markets worldwide have seen wages add their own powerful contribution to the inflation mix.
At first glance, such imported inflation looks like something beyond our control since we are a small open economy and price taker in global markets. But it is incorrect to insist that inflation must be a storm, that we simply need a lull time to pass.
The experience of advanced economies that are around a half-year ahead of us in confronting the price dragon suggests that inflation may, like the last drunk uninvited guest at a party, hang around longer than we would like or appreciate. Their central banks have already abandoned rhetoric that the phenomenon is transitory. None other than our own MAS has pointed out that only a third of the increase in core inflation is due to external sources, with about half due to domestic drivers.
With the source of inflation emanating domestically, it behooves us to act locally. There are genuine consequences for failing to act. In addition to the real cost borne by various segments of the population, refraining from decisive action now could allow inflation to become even more entrenched in expectations of our households and businesses. This runs the risk that inflation becomes more permanent than temporary.
The role of macroeconomic policy is to stabilise the economy. While the Government has announced a suite of measures in an off-Budget fiscal package, I believe more can be done at this juncture from a big picture perspective.
In most economies, the first line of defence against inflation is the central bank. But as explained yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, our nation's central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), does not operate as a traditional central bank relying on short-term interest rates to manage price pressures. Instead, it subordinates the policy rate to exchange rate considerations consistent with our open economy and considerable exposure to international trade and financial flows.
Regardless of whether one agrees with this approach – I, for one, do – it is also well understood that, having adopted such a target, we can no longer control inflation via traditional interest rate hikes. But, thankfully, this does not mean that there are no other tools in MAS' toolkit. One strategy, developed in recent decades, is to intervene in markets for financial assets.
Some of us may be familiar with the process of quantitative easing, or QE. The central bank makes large-scale asset purchases to keep long-term interest rates low. The objective of QE is to stimulate the economy in the face of interest rates that are close to zero. Over the past decade, QE was applied by major developed economies' central banks, such as the Bank of Japan, the Bank of England, the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve, with some success.
Quantitative tightening, or QT, is essentially the opposite. Central banks would intervene in markets to sell longer-term government bonds. This will beat down their prices and, conversely, raise their yield. Thus, even though MAS does not directly seek to increase the Singapore cash rate – currently at 0.7% – it could, nonetheless, influence interest rates for Government bonds maturing 10 years or later.
Whether via QT or other means, it strikes me as eminently reasonable that MAS attempts to elevate such long rates so that the real interest rate – that is, the interest rate, net of inflation\t– would no longer be negative, as it currently is. This would represent a genuine tightening of monetary conditions, which is what is necessary to contain inflation.
Of course, the most direct approach to controlling inflation in the context of our current policy framework is to have MAS target a stronger Singapore dollar.
Madam, I appreciate that the legislature is seldom a place for in-depth discussion about as esoteric a topic as the appropriate level of the exchange rate. I am also keenly sensitive to how MAS operates best when left with relative free rein over how they conduct the more technical elements of monetary and exchange rate policy.
That said, as I shared with this House earlier this year, while the execution of policies is, indeed, best left to experts, the choice of what policy we pursue falls appropriately within the domain of politicians, who are best positioned to debate the relative merits or trade-offs that affect the welfare of the people we represent.
It is with this in mind that I am broaching the issue of our exchange rate.
I believe that we can do more to strengthen the Singapore dollar. This will reduce the cost of imported goods and services. Since much of what we consume is imported, a strong Singapore dollar can, in turn, lower domestic inflation as well.
As Minister of State Alvin Tan shared with this House two months ago and again yesterday, MAS is aware of this and had already tightened monetary policy thrice since October last year. But it is unclear how much this effort to strengthen the Singapore dollar has succeeded. This is because, of the three moves, only the most recent one was sufficiently aggressive, involving an adjustment of not just the slope but also the midpoint of the policy band, while the other two were more limited.
Ultimately, the proof is in the pudding. On 14 October, the day of the first MAS announcement, the exchange rate between the US and Singapore dollar was 1.35. As of mid-June, after three separate efforts, this was 1.40 – getting close to 4% weaker than when the exercise first started.
There are many reasons why this may be the case, not least because the US dollar has been exceptionally strong, even compared to other currencies. But the reality is that the Singapore dollar is, today, weaker in terms of the currency that global commodities like oil, gas and agricultural products are priced in, which is the US dollar. This translates into higher prices here as higher import prices pass through into domestic inflation.
The efforts of MAS are demonstrably too tentative. What is worse is that we will risk falling behind the curve even further as the Federal Reserve recently moved to hike interest rates more aggressively, which will further fuel appreciation of the US dollar unless we act more aggressively ourselves.
Sure, such a policy will entail winners and losers. We would be concerned about what the effects of a strong exchange rate could mean for exports. But there are reasons to believe that currency appreciation need not be that problematic in our modern Singapore economy.
We should not forget that our entrepreneurial model and natural resource scarcity mean that our producers often import raw materials and other intermediate inputs to production, which all benefit from a stronger Singapore dollar. Our economy is also less reliant on manufacturing than before. Indeed, a number of our tradeable services in finance, information and communications technology (ICT) and professional services have pricing power, which allows them to be more resilient to exchange rate fluctuations.
By the same token, capital inflows may also remain unaffected by currency appreciation and could even potentially increase. After all, multinationals based here can manage their foreign exchange rate risk through hedging as long as plans for doing so are telegraphed in advance.
In the long run, a stronger currency may provide the impetus for our local firms to finally upgrade their operations to reflect higher productivity and quality rather than competing solely on low prices and cost-cutting.
There are, of course, reasons for caution on this front. Even casual students of international economic history will have encountered the Plaza Accord, an agreement struck between then leading nations to intervene in currency markets to strengthen the Japanese yen and the German Deutsche Mark relative to the US dollar. The result was a success but some observers have argued that the concerted intervention set in motion the Japanese real estate and stock market bubble and the economy's subsequent Lost Decade.
We do not want that here, but even so, there is ample evidence that we can afford more strengthening of the Singapore dollar.
Standard metrics for comparing the under- and over-valuation of our currency suggest that the Singapore dollar is, indeed, significantly undervalued. There is latent demand for the Singapore dollar as an attractive safe haven currency in these tumultuous times.
Hence, paradoxically, we may not even need to spend that much to prop up our currency. It may be as simple as ceasing interventions that restrain our exchange rate and allowing foreign exchange markets to work more efficiently. This is a luxury that precious few countries can afford but one that we can leverage now.
These monetary and exchange rate moves should occur alongside fiscal policy. I would suggest three general principles that guide our thinking on this matter.
First, we should subscribe to the general principle of being timely, targeted and temporary. I have already outlined why support is needed now. So, it is timely, given how a souring of the global economic environment means that we must rely less on global growth tailwinds to support our economy. Targeting specific groups and keeping the policy temporary will also minimise the budgetary footprint at a time when we have already drawn liberally from our reserves and the economy is on track towards a self-sustaining recovery.
Second, our fiscal balances should not be building up excess surpluses at this time. This means that increased revenues resulting from higher collections of various taxes and duties should, as far as possible, be rebated back to citizens. This ensures that our Government does not enjoy a windfall gain, while our citizens suffer.
Finally, it is important that we avoid the temptation to index economy-wide wages to inflation. While tempting, since it automates the process of wage adjustment to rising inflation, the experience of emerging markets in the 1980s and 1990s is a testament that this well-meaning policy can end up institutionalising inflation.
While the package announced last month by MOF is based on three somewhat different philosophies, it also embeds some of the principles that I have mentioned of being temporary and targeted and relying on better than expected fiscal outturns from the prior fiscal year. But we can probably do more.
Revenue for the previous fiscal year, FY 2021, was $74.8 billion – $13.4 billion higher than the fiscal year 2020 and $7.1 billion more than two years ago, before the pandemic. The jump in property stamp duty alone was $6.8 billion even as personal and corporate income taxes have fully recovered. Yet, the announced package only amounts to $1.5 billion – a fraction of this revenue increase.
One important example of policy that follows these principles is to make adjustments for Singaporeans on fixed incomes.
For such people, inflation can be devastating. An elderly person spending $20 a day may now only be able to buy one prata instead of two for breakfast, may be forced to skip their afternoon tea or order two instead of three items of \"cai png\".
What is worse is that this diminished consumption will be with them for the rest of their lives even when inflation has returned to normal rates, because elevated prices do not automatically come back down even when inflation disappears. Inflation of 3% above the historical average would mean that their retirement funds now buy 3% less. In practical terms, this means adjustments for those that rely on ComCare and CPF.
We have to remind ourselves that while financial markets can and do adjust returns to reflect higher inflation, this is not the case for those locked into a fixed income stream.
For retirees, CPF returns have remained unchanged thus far, even as higher prices mean that whatever these retirees have set aside in savings will now buy less. For Comcare, the announced increase for Long-Term Assistance is surely welcome, but it is unclear why a comparable degree of support is not extended for short- and medium-term assistance, since inflation hits both types of households in much the same way. I believe that Comcare assistance should be permanently and universally increased, by a margin that reflects the excess inflation experienced by families for this year.
I also believe that we can roll out a temporary increase in CPF interest rates of around two percentage points for a six-month period, consistent with the increase in inflation. This can be funded by the returns paid on Special Singapore Government Securities, or SSGS. The higher returns on SSGS can, in turn, be made up from higher nominal returns that would accrue from financial assets that are marked to market.
Macroeconomic policies are often viewed as blunt instruments: they affect the economy on the aggregate; and hence, we may be concerned that pushing these levers may be too disruptive for an economy that is already on a tentative road to recovery.
On the contrary, my contention is that it is precisely because the effects of macro policy are wide ranging that we wish to consider applying such tools at this time.
For starters, a number of the policies that I discussed associated with interest and exchange rates, have the benefit of being fast to implement. Budgetary measures take time to draw up and disburse. In contrast, interest and exchange rate policies can be rolled out once the decision has been made.
Moreover, the suggestions I made are complementary in nature. The monetary measures deployed to cool inflation are contractionary, as they should be, by design. To limit the risk of derailing a still-fragile economy and recovery, we should offset this effect with fiscal measures that are modestly expansionary. The Government’s support package is consistent with this, but this risks being unwound by the impending GST hike.
Instead, what we want is a macro policy stance that is broadly neutral, which is what is appropriate for our economy at this stage of the business cycle. Put another way, we want to downshift and tap on the brakes to contain inflation, but pumping on a wee bit of gas with limited government spending that helps keep the engine from stalling.
Mdm Deputy Speaker, I appreciate that much of this speech has been relatively technical and we all want to go home. To some extent, this is inevitable; the nature of macroeconomic policymaking is often technical in nature. Nevertheless, it is possible to summarise my main suggestions in a few sentences.
Strengthen the Singapore dollar, because a strong currency makes the stuff we import cheaper. Buy long bonds, because this will dampen speculative investment and keep a lid on asset prices. [Please refer to \"Personal Explanation\", Official Report, 12 September 2022, Vol 95, Issue 67, Personal Explanation section.]
Spend to support those among us that are hurting most for a temporary period and finance this by rebating any windfall tax gains. But avoid wage indexation at all costs.
We need to battle inflation proactively and we have the tools to do so. Let us use them.
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Minister of State Alvin Tan.
The Minister of State for Trade and Industry (Mr Alvin Tan): Mdm Deputy Speaker, I thank the Member for tabling today's Motion. I will respond to the Motion in two parts. I will start by addressing the macro picture, before zooming in to the micro picture.
A hallmark of our Government since Independence has been our ability to look long term. We see the big picture, the macro picture. This includes assessing the world and the winds of change, as well as identifying the trends, opportunities and challenges for Singapore.
In this House yesterday, I shared our economic outlook for Singapore, including our GDP growth and inflation projections. For the sake of brevity in this response, I shall not repeat those details and Members can refer to my speech yesterday. What I would like to focus on in my response is how we have planned for and laid foundations for the long term.
First, we maintain a stable macroeconomic environment so that businesses and households can make economic decisions with confidence. And a core tenet is our exchange rate-centred monetary policy which has helped us manage inflation.
During this period of rising inflationary pressures, MAS has pre-emptively tightened monetary policy since October last year, as the Member has observed. This longstanding policy has directly helped dampen imported inflation.
How? To Assoc Prof Jamus Lim's point on food prices, as well as energy prices, let me dive deeper. For global food prices, while global food commodity prices increased by an average of 25.4% year-on-year over the first five months of 2022, domestic food prices increased by an average of 3.6% year-on-year over the same period. So, 25.4% versus 3.6%.
On energy prices, likewise, even as global energy prices rose by 27.5%, energy-related components in Singapore's Consumer Price Index, which includes the cost of electricity, gas and petrol, increased by 13.6% year-on-year between January and May. So, 27.5% versus 13.6%.
Second, we continue to build our trade links to the world, to diversify our sources of imports and exports, even as the world is experiencing a retreat of globalisation. We concluded the world's largest Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), in November 2020, and are part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). We have also signed the Pacific Alliance-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (PASFTA) in January and are on track to conclude an FTA with Mercosur.
We have also signed Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs), Digital Economy Partnership Agreements (DEPAs) and are in the process of negotiating a green economy agreement with Australia.
These trade agreements help us to diversify our imports, open markets for our businesses and future-proof our economy.
Third, we continue to stay open and connected to the world and to innovation, investments and talent. And despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we attracted S$11.8 billion in Fixed Asset Investments (FAI) last year. We have secured significant investments, for example, Sanofi has committed to setting up a €400 million vaccine production facility in Singapore.
These inbound investments create good jobs for Singaporeans, make our economy vibrant and competitive and prepare us for the next pandemic – long term. Overall, strong growth will support job creation, wage growth and help address inflationary pressures.
So, as we continue to plan and execute our macro and strategic plans, we also keep our eye firmly on the micro – the ground picture. So, we plan and execute the macro, but we also keep our eye firmly on what is happening on the ground. It is reflected in how we navigated Singapore through the COVID-19 crisis and support Singaporeans and local businesses during this period of rising costs.
During the height of COVID-19, we committed close to S$100 billion over the last two years, part of it to support businesses hit by COVID-19 restrictions. In particular, our Jobs Support Scheme (JSS), which provided wage subsidies to employers to help them retain workers, saved 165,000 local jobs between March and December 2020.
We also rolled out initiatives, such as our SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRVs) for our embattled tourism sector. Collectively, about $300 million in vouchers and out-of-pocket payments were generated through SRV transactions. This provided crucial support to our local tourism business.
In anticipation of higher prices, we rolled out support for Singaporeans in Budget 2022, including the Jobs and Business Support Package, to help businesses and workers, as well as the Household Support Package to help households with their daily needs. And to help Singaporeans cope with rising inflationary pressures, we also brought forward the implementation of some of the measures, including our CDC Vouchers and Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG).
The additional S$1.5 billion support package Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on 21 June provides immediate and targeted relief to lower-income and vulnerable Singaporeans, who are disproportionately affected by higher prices.
The measures included in the package also help our local companies transform and cope with rising energy costs by becoming more energy-efficient. It also provides targeted relief for specific groups, such as self-employed persons, who depend on their vehicles for their livelihoods and, hence, are more adversely affected by energy cost increases. These include taxi drivers and delivery riders.
Overall, we designed the package to avoid stoking further inflationary pressures and distorting price signals, while being, as the Member suggested, fiscally responsible and sustainable. And as Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said yesterday, if the situation worsens significantly, we would be prepared to do more.
Let me turn to some of the specific issues raised by Assoc Prof Jamus Lim in his speech. On MAS' monetary policy response to inflation, more specifically, we need to recognise that the global nature of the price pressures we are facing is affecting all of our trading partners. The sharp pick-up of inflation of food and oil prices since Q4 last year, principally, reflects the effects of serious disruptions of global supply due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
So, it is inevitable, as the Member had mentioned, that some of these prices will affect our economy. Many Singaporeans do accept that the situation requires some adjustments to the high prices. Given the circumstances, I will explain a few points below.
MAS, using its monetary policy, has strengthened the exchange rate by at least 5% on an annualised basis, which has kept domestic food inflation, for example, to one-fifth of global food inflation thus far.
How MAS decides on the extent of its tightening of the exchange rate takes many different factors into account. Foremost is the fact that a strengthening exchange rate cannot fully offset global prices without causing immediate negative consequences on growth and, therefore, the labour market.
Indeed, this is precisely the reason why many advanced central banks are guarded in the speed and also the extent to which they will hike interest rates. This monetary policy action, in and of itself, has attendant spillover effects that we must all take into account in a very uncertain, dynamic and also challenging economic environment.
Therefore, a judicious blend of tight monetary policy and targeted supportive fiscal policy, carefully calibrated, is most appropriate. In fact, the Member mentioned that the fiscal policy must be timely, targeted and temporary in rebating back fiscal upsides. That is what we have precisely done with the S$1.5 billion support package.
If you look at it, the combined Budgets of 2020/2021, together with monetary policy decisions – both fiscal and monetary policy together – supported Singapore's GDP growth by about one percentage point in 2021 and prevented the deterioration of the unemployment rate by four percentage points, even as the combined expansionary monetary macroeconomic policy responses were non-inflationary.
At this juncture, the current round of combined fiscal and monetary policy responses is expected to contain medium-term inflation, without significant loss of output or inadvertently adding further to the underlying tightness in the economy.
On indexing financial assistance payments to inflation, I would just like to say that the Government regularly reviews our schemes to take into account needs and affordability. And inflation is one of the many factors taken into consideration.
Mdm Deputy Speaker, allow me to sum up. I have responded to the Member's Motion by articulating our Government's macro and micro approaches. We plan and execute for the long term and, at the same time, continue to have the dexterity to zoom in into the details that matter on the ground to Singaporeans and Singaporean businesses.
Indeed, the livelihoods of our people are not a theoretical exercise to us. Rather, we focus on strong job creation and wage growth as the best ways to help Singaporeans tide over these immediate difficult times and ensure that we have sufficient resources to tackle the long-term challenges.
The mindset and bias towards action have allowed us to weather storms and seize opportunities throughout our history. That is the hallmark of our Government. This is our commitment to Singapore and we will continue to do our utmost to deliver on this commitment, especially in these challenging times.
Mdm Deputy Speaker: Order. The time allowed for the proceedings has expired. I adjourn the House pursuant to the Standing Order. Order.
[(proc text) The Question having been proposed at 4.14 pm and the Debate having continued for half an hour, Mdm Deputy Speaker adjourned the House without question put, pursuant to the Standing Order. (proc text)]
Adjourned accordingly at 4.45 pm.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":"Matter Raised On Adjournment Motion","questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Adequacy of CPF Basic Retirement Sum to Provide for Minimum Retirement Needs of Seniors and Ensure Decent Quality of Life","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"20 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether there are any commissioned studies to assess whether the CPF Basic Retirement Sum sufficiently provides for the minimum retirement adequacy of seniors and to provide a decent quality of life; (b) whether the Government is considering the need to define specific adequacy goals to meet seniors’ needs; and (c) whether there are any long-term plans, in terms of policies, to achieve the desired outcomes for our seniors.
21 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how is the 3.5% annual increase in the CPF Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) for each cohort turning age 55 from 2023 to 2027 determined; (b) what are the factors that have contributed to the raised annual increase from 3% to 3.5%; and (c) what are the long-term inflation assumptions used in the BRS annual increments.
Dr Tan See Leng: In 2014, the Government set up a CPF Advisory Panel to study possible enhancements to the CPF system. The Panel was led by Prof Tan Chorh Chuan and comprised academics, financial industry practitioners and community representatives. The Panel was asked to recommend how the CPF system could better cater for the varied interests and needs of members. Some members wanted the ability to withdraw more CPF savings as a lumpsum, some wanted higher monthly payouts in retirement and some wanted monthly payouts that increase over time.
The Panel affirmed that the priority is for the CPF to focus on what is needed for members to receive lifelong payouts that cover a basic level of retirement expenses. For this purpose, the Panel took reference from the lower-middle retiree household expenditure and factored in long-term inflation as well as some increase in the standard of living in setting the Basic Retirement Sum or BRS.
The same factors were considered in setting the annual increase in BRS at 3.5% for members turning 55 in 2023 to 2027. These members experienced strong GDP growth during their working years. They were among the first to benefit from a mature and well-established CPF system, consistently high employment rates and strong wage growth.
The latest BRS adjustments translate to higher monthly payouts to help these members tackle the rise in expenses due to long-term inflation and higher standards of living. The BRS payout will rise to close to $1,000 per month for the cohort turning 55 in 2027, up from close to $850 per month for the 2021 cohort.
Members can receive larger payouts if they set aside more CPF savings for retirement. A member who turns 55 in 2027 and is on the CPF LIFE Standard Plan can receive close to $1,850 per month, for life, by setting aside the Full Retirement Sum, and close to $2,700 per month, for life, by setting aside the Enhanced Retirement Sum. Members can also choose the CPF LIFE Escalating Plan, which starts with lower payouts but will see payouts increase by 2% every year.
On retirement adequacy goals for seniors, it is important to note that seniors are likely to have a combination of means to fund their retirement, of which, CPF is a component. The others include private savings, family support and housing monetisation, such as the Lease Buyback Scheme and Silver Housing Bonus Scheme. Nonetheless, BRS attainment is one indicator for basic retirement adequacy. Eight in 10 active CPF members turning 55 in 2027 are expected to have enough savings to receive at least the BRS payout, up from 67% in 2021.
The Government introduced the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme in 2021 to incentivise members and their loved ones to top up the Retirement Account of eligible members who have yet to meet the prevailing Basic Retirement Sum. For seniors who require further support to meet their retirement needs, targeted assistance is available. For example, eligible seniors receive up to $900 a quarter to boost their retirement income under the Silver Support scheme.
We will continue to help seniors strengthen their retirement adequacy by enabling them to earn more and save more. In particular, the Tripartite Workgroup on Older Workers laid out a long-term roadmap to raise the retirement and re-employment ages and increase CPF contribution rates for older workers. This provides flexibility for seniors who want to work longer to do so and enables seniors to save more while they work. We will continue to review our policies to help Singaporeans strengthen their retirement adequacy.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Location of Commercial and Coffee Shop Space within HDB Estates and Efforts to Keep Food Prices Affordable Given Recent High Transacted Sale Prices of Coffee Shops","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"22 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there are household density considerations associated with the location of commercial and coffee shop spaces within HDB developments; and (b) if so, what are these conditions for (i) mature and (ii) new housing developments.
23 Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development with the trend of increased transacted prices of coffee shops (a) what measures will be put in place to ensure that the high transaction cost for coffee shops is not passed on to consumers; and (b) how will the Government ensure that the neighbourhood coffee shops continue to provide affordable food to residents.
24 Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry tracks (i) the transacted prices of suburban coffee shops against the prices of HDB flats and the median income of individuals staying within the same area and (ii) the average rental price per square foot of stalls in suburban coffee shops against the median price of a cup of coffee sold in these coffee shops; (b) if so, what is the data for the past 20 years; and (c) what are the measures taken to ensure affordability of food and drinks sold in suburban coffee shops.
Mr Desmond Lee: There are, presently, over 770 HDB coffee shops in Singapore. Some of these coffee shops are sold and are, hence, privately-owned, while the rest are rented out by HDB. The two coffee shops in Yishun and Tampines that were recently transacted at around $40 million each are amongst 400 coffee shops which had been sold by HDB in the 1990s. The intent had then been to encourage private sector ownership in running these coffee shops. Such privately-owned HDB coffee shops are now transacted on the open market on a willing-buyer-willing-seller basis. Some buyers may be bullish about units at certain locations and are, hence, willing to pay a higher resale price. The two coffee shops in Yishun and Tampines are also large, with many stalls. However, such transaction prices are a minority. Since 2010, 70% of resale transactions of sold coffee shops were at below $10 million. Resale volume is also fairly low, with an average of 15 transactions per year since 2010.
We are mindful of the need to ensure that residents have access to affordable cooked food options, and of the potential impact of such transactions and have, therefore, put in place various measures over the years. One key measure is to ensure a good supply of coffee shops in every HDB estate and town, so that there is healthy competition. These coffee shops can also be run by social enterprises, for example, NTUC Foodfare, to help keep food prices low.
The market for F&B is highly competitive, especially in our heartlands. For example, the two coffee shops in Tampines and Yishun are within neighbourhood centres that have five and seven coffee shops respectively within a 400-metre radius, and residents, hence, have a choice of affordable food options there.
Another example is the coffee shop at Bukit Batok St 11 that was sold at $31 million in 2015. Today, residents in that area have the choice of six other coffee shops within the vicinity. Despite the transacted price, it has been observed that food prices at the Bukit Batok St 11 coffee shop are marginally higher, by 10 cents to 20 cents, and a cup of coffee is the same price, as compared to other nearby coffee shops.
HDB plans the provision of coffee shops and other commercial amenities in new housing developments carefully, taking into account the number of dwelling units within the development as well as surrounding developments. The same approach is adopted for new housing developments in both mature and younger HDB towns. HDB also considers the residents' ease of access to amenities by surveying the availability of existing commercial facilities in the vicinity. Most residents can access commercial facilities, such as shops and coffee shops, within 400 metres' walking distance or a five- to 10-minute walk from their blocks.
HDB completed 34 new coffee shops in the last four years and continues to build new ones to serve new HDB developments. Another 30 coffee shops will be completed in the next four years. Aside from coffee shops, we also have over a hundred hawker centres in Singapore and the Government is building more. Four new centres will begin operations this year, with another seven being planned or under construction.
Ultimately, consumers must be given the choice to go elsewhere. This applies to stallholders as well. If the rents set by coffee shop owners are too high, stallholders could move to other eating establishments, resulting in vacant stalls and holding costs for the owners.
Since 1998, HDB no longer sells coffee shops and only rents them out. In 2018, HDB introduced Price-Quality tenders, with 50% of points assigned to the Quality of the operator, which includes aspects, such as the availability of budget meals, good track record and community initiatives. Operators who successfully tender for HDB coffee shops, typically, provide budget food options at every stall, with these priced at around $3. The rentals under Price-Quality tenders are also lower and more sustainable than under pure price-bidding tenders.
Coffee shops and food centres play an important social role in our HDB towns and estates, as they not only provide a convenient option for cooked food and drinks for residents, but also serve as key community hubs for families and friends to bond and connect over food and drinks. As such, HDB regularly monitors the resale market for HDB coffeeshops, as well as the prices of food sold in both sold and rental coffee shops and will not hesitate to review its policies to address affordability concerns where necessary.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Update on Youth Mental Well-being Network","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"27 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth whether the Ministry can provide an update on the Youth Mental Well-being Network, especially on its plans to expand to a broader network to tackle mental health issues across a broader range of population segments.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: Recognising that mental well-being is one of the top issues that youths face, we started the Youth Mental Well-being Network in 2020 to bring partners together to develop ideas and solutions to improve our youths’ mental well-being.
Since then, more than 1,500 individuals, comprising youths, parents, caregivers and mental health professionals have started more than 20 ground-up projects to support youth mental well-being.
For example, MCCY and the National Youth Council (NYC) are partnering members of the Youth Mental Well-being Network, like Campus Psy and Young NTUC, to run peer support network programmes.
But we also recognise that the issue of mental well-being goes beyond youths, as the pandemic experience has made clear. Therefore, we will expand the network beyond youths to benefit the wider population and achieve greater impact.
The expanded network is part of the broader national effort under the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being.
Minister of State Alvin Tan will be chairing the network with support from Minister of State Sun Xueling and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam.
In the coming months, the Network will bring together key stakeholders to learn from one another, collaborate and take action on issues identified by the Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being. We aim to strengthen whole-of-society partnerships and citizen action, to achieve a caring and inclusive society where all can seek help and be supported to achieve mental health and well-being.
More details will be shared on the focus areas of the expanded network, when ready.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Impact of Manpower Crunch in Hospitality and F&B Sectors on Customer Satisfaction and Singapore's Reputation as Business and Travel Destination","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"28 Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for Trade and Industry in view of the feedback on the manpower crunch in the hospitality and food and beverage sectors, what is the Ministry’s assessment on (i) the impact to customer satisfaction or service standards and (ii) the overall impact on our reputation as a business and travel destination.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Singapore’s reputation as a business and travel destination continues to be strong. When compared to nine key competitor cities, Singapore is still among the top travel destinations for both leisure and business travellers, according to Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) February 2022 Brand Health Survey of Singapore’s top 15 markets. There is a robust pipeline of business and leisure events lined up in Singapore for the rest of 2022. These include the FIND – Design Fair Asia Congress, Food & Hotel Asia and the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
We understand that businesses in the hospitality and F&B sectors are facing challenges as demand surges with the resumption of movement and activities post-COVID-19. To supplement the tight domestic labour market, we have moved quickly to reopen borders for foreign workers to meet the sectors’ needs.
At the same time, we encourage businesses to continue to press on with their efforts in digitalisation and job redesign, as well as raising productivity. This can help them maintain or improve their quality and standards of service. We will continue to work with the hospitality and F&B industries to help them transform so that they not only serve local customers well, but will also welcome back our overseas visitors with quality service, products and experiences.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Relevance of Shangri-La Dialogue in Easing Ongoing Geopolitical Tensions and Meeting Other Objectives","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"29 Mr Alex Yam asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether the recent Shangri-La Dialogue has achieved its objectives; (b) how will the geopolitical tensions that remain between the United States and China affect Singapore; and (c) whether the forum continues to remain useful and relevant for participating countries.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: The Member’s question has been addressed in my written reply to Question No 53 circulated on 4 July 2022. The Member may refer to that reply. [Please refer to “Key Takeaways from Recent Shangri-La Dialogue Regarding Geopolitical Dynamics and Maintenance of Peaceful Relations in Asia”, Official Report, 4 July 2022, Vol 63, Issue No 63, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer Not Answered by End of Question Time section.]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Impact of Proposed Expansion of POSB Smart Buddy Programme on Primary School Students","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"30 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Education regarding the Ministry’s proposed expansion of the POSB Smart Buddy programme for students across all Primary schools by 2025 (a) whether studies have been conducted on the short- and long-term impact of early exposure of children to e-payment transactions in children, (i) with existing experience with physical currency, such as coins and (ii) without prior experience of physical currency; and (b) if so, what are the results of these studies.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: MOE has partnered DBS to set up e-payment infrastructure in all schools by 2025. This will provide the option of cashless transactions in our school canteens and bookshops. Those who prefer cashless payments can use their School Smart Card and EZ-Link cards or sign up for the POSB Smart Buddy Programme, which is optional. Those who prefer cash payments can continue to do so, as we will keep this option available.
MOE conducted a study with pilot Primary schools in 2018 on the POSB Smart Buddy Programme. The majority of schools provided positive feedback on how students have responded to using cashless payments. They found that students demonstrated the \"ability to track spending\" and that they had \"learned to save\". This indicates that students can develop good financial habits, whether using cash or cashless payment.
Whether payment is done by physical cash or digital money, it is important that young children learn about the value of money, spending wisely and managing their money prudently. Allowing our students an option of cashless payment in schools where it can be done in more controlled settings, would not only help to develop good financial habits but also better prepare them for a world where contactless transactions are becoming more prevalent. MOE will continue to monitor how students respond to cashless payment in schools and provide them with the necessary guidance to develop good financial literacy.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Ensuring Affordability of Food Prices Despite Higher Sale Transaction Prices of Coffee Shops","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"31 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for National Development in light of the high transaction prices of coffee shops in suburban areas with corresponding hikes in stall rentals, how will the Government ensure that stallholders and coffee shops in the neighbourhoods are able to continue to provide affordable food and beverage to residents.
Mr Desmond Lee: There are, presently, over 770 HDB coffee shops in Singapore. Some of these coffee shops are sold and are, hence, privately-owned, while the rest are rented out by HDB.
We are mindful of the need to ensure that residents have access to affordable cooked food options and of the potential impact of resale transactions and have, therefore, put in place various measures over the years. One key measure is to ensure a good supply of coffee shops in every HDB estate and town, so that there is healthy competition. These coffee shops can also be run by social enterprises, for example, NTUC Foodfare, to help keep food prices low.
The market for F&B is highly competitive, especially in our heartlands. For example, the two coffee shops in Tampines and Yishun are within neighbourhood centres that have five and seven coffee shops respectively within a 400-metre radius and residents, hence, have a choice of affordable food options there.
HDB completed 34 new coffee shops in the last four years and continues to build new ones to serve new HDB developments. Another 30 coffee shops will be completed in the next four years. Aside from coffee shops, we also have over a hundred hawker centres in Singapore and the Government is building more. Four new centres will begin operations this year, with another seven being planned or under construction.
Since 1998, HDB no longer sells coffee shops and only rents them out. In addition, HDB has introduced new measures to ensure quality and affordability of food in these coffee shops that are rented out. In 2018, HDB introduced Price-Quality tenders, with 50% of points assigned to the Quality of the operator, which includes aspects, such as the availability of budget meals, good track record and community initiatives. Operators who successfully tender for HDB coffee shops, typically, provide budget food options at every stall, with these priced at around $3. The rentals under Price-Quality tenders are also lower and more sustainable than under pure price-bidding tenders.
Coffee shops and food centres play an important social role in our HDB towns and estates, as they not only provide a convenient option for cooked food and drinks for residents, but also serve as key community hubs for families and friends to bond and connect over food and drinks.
As such, HDB regularly monitors the resale market for HDB coffee shops, as well as the prices of food sold in both sold and rental coffee shops and will not hesitate to review its policies to address affordability concerns where necessary.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Companies Implementing Workplace Safety and Health-enhancing Technologies","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"33 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what is the number of companies that have sought to implement Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) enhancing technologies; (b) what proportion of these companies have received state financial assistance or support; (c) of those receiving such support, what percentage of the total cost for implementation of the WSH technologies is defrayed by such support; and (d) whether there is a correlation between companies that have adopted these technologies and a reduced number of workplace injuries and fatalities.
Dr Tan See Leng: The deployment of Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) technology is a key enabler to detect and prevent workplace accidents. Based on an MOM survey of companies in December 2021, approximately seven in 10 businesses have implemented WSH technology solutions.
Companies can tap on the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) to adopt pre-approved digital solutions. As of June 2022, more than 500 small and medium-sized enterprises have tapped on PSG to adopt technology solutions that facilitate the improvement of WSH standards at their workplaces. Examples of these solutions include the electronic Permit-To-Work (e-PTW) to control selected high-risk work activities, such as working at heights, to ensure safe execution of work onsite; and Fleet Safety Management solutions to improve situational awareness of drivers and warn of collision risks. PSG provides up to 70% grant support, capped at $30,000, for these solutions.
While the correlation between the adoption of technology solutions and workplace accidents varies, depending on the particular technology solutions and industry-specific risk factors, we have some promising results. For example, we found that the adoption of Fleet Safety Management solutions resulted in 93% fewer fatigue episodes by driver, and 58% fewer potential collisions. MOM has and will continue to work with Government Procurement Entities to incorporate suitable WSH technologies into public sector tender specifications.
MOM will also continue to work with employers, industry associations, technology vendors, research institutes and other Government agencies to promote effective WSH technologies to create safer workplaces.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"International Academic Advisory Panel's Recommendations on Development of Singapore's Higher Education Landscape","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"34 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Education (a) which of the recommendations on the development of Singapore's higher education landscape made by the International Academic Advisory Panel will be adopted; (b) how will the adopted recommendations be implemented; and (c) when will the adopted recommendations be implemented.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: MOE convened the 12th International Academic Advisory Panel (IAAP) last month, which affirmed key directions for the University sector, including approaches towards developing agile and resilient graduates and the role of our Institutes of Higher Learning in supporting continuing education and training.
First, our University curricular must continue to strike a good balance between equipping students with depth of understanding of a core field, while providing them with exposure to a range of fields beyond their core discipline of study. Our Autonomous Universities (AUs) have been introducing multidisciplinary approaches within the curriculum and will also continue to prepare their students through experiential learning.
Second, the IAAP endorsed the AUs’ ongoing efforts to support lifelong learning by making learning more accessible, such as through more flexible pathways, work-learn modality, stackable modules and blended learning. Our future efforts will explore new models of partnership, both across institutions and with industry, to enable better demand aggregation for skills. For example, intermediaries could work with SMEs to aggregate skills demands. MOE will study these ideas and see how to implement them progressively.
Third, we discussed the need for University teams to develop and draw on the strengths of a broad diversity of talent, including academic as well as industry, technological and administrative expertise, to better meet the evolving needs of learners.
Our AUs must continue providing industry exposure opportunities for faculty and leverage appointments of adjunct or associate faculty with industry expertise. Moving ahead, the AUs will consider how their career tracks and organisation incentives can better attract industry expertise, encourage collaboration across faculties and with industry, and increase the faculties' contributions to lifelong learning.
Taken together, the IAAP’s suggestions and views will inform how our Universities can position themselves for the future. MOE will study the ideas and work with our institutions to implement the recommendations.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Plans to Ramp Up Manpower Supply for New Eldercare Facilities","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"35 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health in view of the current shortage of nurses and allied health workers in acute and step-down facilities as well as plans to double eldercare facilities by 2025, what are the Ministry’s plans to ramp up the supply of staff for the new eldercare facilities.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Eldercare centres (ECs) are supported mainly by administrative staff and a strong pool of volunteers. Healthcare clusters with their nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) will also work with ECs to bring in other preventive care services to the community.
There are ongoing efforts to both recruit and retain staff in the community care sector. We are enhancing salaries in the sector through the ongoing Community Care Salary Enhancement Exercise. We develop staff and attract talent to join the sector through funding support for scholarships and training. Job redesign will also help increase productivity and value of the jobs. We are also enhancing the public image, respect and understanding of the community care sector through the Care to Go Beyond campaign. Finally, we will continue to complement our local workforce with foreign manpower wherever needed.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Communal Space Allocation Per Dwelling Unit for New HDB BTO Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"36 Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB can increase the communal space allocation per dwelling unit for new HDB BTOs so as to have more communal spaces in void decks and built-up spaces on level two for communal functions and services provided to residents by social organisations, such as childcare services, assisted living services and senior activity centres.
Mr Desmond Lee: HDB works closely with respective lead agencies, such as MOH, MSF, ECDA and PA, to plan and provide for Social Communal Facilities (SCF) in new public housing developments. The lead agencies will assess the demand for SCFs under their purview, taking into consideration the location of the new HDB development, population catchment, demographics and existing facilities in the vicinity, and HDB will set aside SCF spaces based on these demand projections.
Some of the SCFs are built in tandem with HDB developments while others are safeguarded as spaces for future development. Apart from providing the required SCF spaces according to the respective agencies’ needs, HDB also safeguards additional spaces within new HDB developments, which are kept as void spaces and are not built up. These spaces can be readily converted for SCF use in future should the need arise.
Beyond communal spaces in the void decks, large facilities, such as childcare centres and elder care centres, are now often integrated in multi-storey carparks or located in purpose-designed standalone community facilities buildings. HDB also actively plans for common spaces where the community can gather. Precinct pavilions have been built in new developments to provide space for community functions, such as weddings and funeral wakes. Community Living Rooms are located at the void deck of every block, furnished with seats and tables to provide spaces for residents to interact and gather.
HDB will continue to review the provision norms and work with the lead agencies and local Advisers to identify and provide sufficient spaces for social communal uses, in accordance with the changing demographics and needs of HDB residents.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Use of MediSave by Senior Citizens for Payment of Anti-glaucoma Medication","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"37 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider permitting senior citizens to use MediSave to pay for anti-glaucoma medication.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Eye drops and medication prescribed for glaucoma in public healthcare institutions, generally, cost about $20 to $30 a month, after subsidies. Singaporeans aged 60 and above can use up to $300 a year of their MediSave to pay for their glaucoma medication and eye drops at public healthcare institutions and Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) clinics.
The Ministry will continue to regularly review healthcare financing schemes to improve affordability of healthcare, while ensuring there remains sufficient savings for future healthcare expenses.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Waiting Time for Placement in Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"38 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) to date, how many special needs children are on the waitlist for placement in an early intervention (EI) centre for the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) despite being older than the respective ages for the programmes they are supposed to be enrolled; (b) what is the average waiting time for these children from the point when they attained the age appropriate for enrolment; and (c) what steps are being taken to ensure that these children are enrolled on time when they reach the respective ages for the special programmes tailored for them at the EI centres.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) is a Government-funded service that supports children aged six and below who require medium to high levels of early intervention (EI) support. Enrolment in EIPIC depends on a paediatrician's assessment of the child’s needs and level of support required, rather than the child’s age. We have, however, seen more children assessed to require intervention under EIPIC from a younger age in recent years.
As at end 2021, there were around 2,400 children on the waitlist to be enrolled in a Government-funded EI centre for EIPIC. Where possible, we will prioritise EIPIC placement for older children between five and six years old, who comprise about 10% of the waitlist. For children who were enrolled in 2021, their average waiting time from referral to enrolment is about seven months. Waiting times vary across EI centres and regions, depending on demand and parents’ preference for specific centres and timeslots. We understand from some EI centres that there are slots available in the early afternoon and we encourage parents with children on the EIPIC waitlist to enrol for timeslots with vacancies so that their children can receive the intervention as soon as possible.
To alleviate the waiting time, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has also appointed private EI centres to run the Enhanced Pilot for Private Intervention Providers (PPIP) programme as a complement to EIPIC. Parents whose children are referred to EIPIC can also choose to enrol their child in a PPIP programme.
ECDA has been ramping up the provision of Government-funded EI services for children with developmental needs. First, we are working with EIPIC providers to streamline processes to reduce the waiting time. Second, we have recently expanded the number of centres providing the PPIP programme from 10 to 16, increasing places by 40%. Third, we plan to open two new EI centres by mid-2023.
ECDA will continue to grow the number of EIPIC and PPIP programme places to address the increased demand for subsidised EI services and reduce waiting times.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number and Profile of Tuberculosis Patients in First Half 2022 Compared With Previous Two Years","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"39 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health (a) how does the number of tuberculosis cases in the first half of this year compare with the previous two years; (b) what are the age groups most affected by tuberculosis; and (c) what measures are currently in place to reduce the spread of tuberculosis.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Data from the first half of this year, from January to June, is not available. The incidence of cases with active tuberculosis (TB) disease in 2020 and 2021 were 34 and 33 cases per 100,000 resident population. In 2021, almost half of the new cases with TB disease were aged 60 and older.
The recent numbers reported through screening at Block 2 in Jalan Bukit Merah include both active TB disease and latent TB infection, and these cases are currently undergoing medical evaluation to determine their TB status. A large proportion of the cases will likely be latent TB infection. Latent TB infection is not infectious and demonstrates no symptoms. Many older Singaporeans were exposed to and infected with TB when they were younger, when the incidence of TB in Singapore was much higher. Up to 30% of older Singaporeans have latent TB infection. But they remain non-infectious and may not experience any symptoms. Only one in 10 persons with latent TB infection may progress to active TB disease during their lifetime.
Early detection and prompt treatment of active TB disease is key to controlling the spread of TB. Persons with symptoms of TB, such as prolonged cough for more than three weeks, should seek medical attention early to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment ensures that patients are rapidly rendered non-infectious, thereby reducing further spread. Adherence to treatment until completion is also crucial to prevent the recurrence of TB or the development of drug resistance.
To further reduce spread of TB, the National Tuberculosis Programme conducts contact investigations to identify persons who have had close and prolonged contact with infectious TB cases. Contacts are tested for TB for early detection and treatment of the disease to contain transmission.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Proportion of Public Officers With Job Roles Conducive for Hybrid Work and Number of Work-from-home Days Permissible Per Week","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"40 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Prime Minister (a) what is the current proportion of public officers who are in job roles which are conducive for hybrid work and will be allowed to telecommute; and (b) for such officers, what is the average number of days a week that they will be allowed to work from home as against telecommuting.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): As recently stated in my Parliamentary response on 4 July 2022, the Public Service supports the tripartite efforts by MOM, NTUC and Singapore National Employers Federation to boost the adoption of flexible work arrangements (FWAs). We assess that up to half of the jobs in the Public Service can be suitable for telecommuting. For officers whose work allows for telecommuting, officers can do so for an average of two out of five days per work week. Other than telecommuting, Public Service agencies can exercise flexibility and discuss other forms of FWAs, such as staggered hours and part-time work, with officers who need it to support them in balancing work and personal circumstances.
To ensure that the Public Service continues to deliver high standards, effectiveness and productivity in this new work environment, PSD has issued guidelines to reinforce the expectations on work standards and to promote good supervisory practices, such as outcome-based performance management. As an agile organisation, we will continue to review and improve the way we work as our operating landscape changes.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number of Fitness Activities for Registration Per Residents Network Cluster","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"41 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there has been a reduction in the number of fitness activities each Residents Network cluster can register; and (b) if so, what is the Ministry's rationale for doing so, given its efforts to promote exercise among targeted demographic groups.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Health Promotion Board has been merging physical activity sessions which had been split into smaller group sizes in view of earlier COVID-19 restrictions. There is no reduction in overall capacity or variety of the activities.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Plans to Offer Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme to Residents before 2039","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"42 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Government has plans to offer Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) to any precincts before the year 2039; and (b) what is the voting threshold that needs to be achieved for a precinct to be selected for VERS.
43 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development what will be the terms of offer, including the compensation quantum, rehousing options and other benefits, to be provided to lessees of HDB flats selected for the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) will be implemented in the longer term, as HDB flats and estates get older, to facilitate the orderly redevelopment and rejuvenation of these towns and estates. This will also allow more households to benefit from redevelopment before their flat leases expire, starting from when the flats reach around age 70 or older.
Unlike SERS, VERS will be a voluntary programme and residents will vote on the exercise in their precinct. If residents in a selected precinct vote in support of VERS, the Government will buy back all the flats and redevelop the precinct and residents can use their sales proceeds to help pay for another flat. If the residents do not support VERS, they can continue to live in the precinct until their flat leases run out. The terms of VERS will not be as generous as SERS due to the lower redevelopment potential and, hence, smaller financial upside from the redevelopment.
VERS is a complex undertaking, involving detailed long-term town planning. We are in the midst of working out the details, such as how to identify the precincts, how to pace the redevelopment over time, the specific terms of the Government’s offer, the voting threshold that needs to be achieved for a selected precinct to proceed with VERS, and how to ensure fiscal sustainability in the long run. We will seek ideas and views from the public in the process and will share more information with Members and Singaporeans when we are ready.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Use and Development of Dengue Vaccines or Drugs for Public Consumption","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"44 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Dengvaxia vaccine is recommended and routinely offered to recovered dengue patients who fit the eligibility criteria; (b) whether the Ministry tracks the number of Dengvaxia vaccinations administered; and (c) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the development of potential dengue vaccines or drugs that may become viable for public consumption.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Dengvaxia is, currently, the only dengue vaccine approved in Singapore for individuals aged 12 to 45. However, the vaccine is not recommended for individuals who have no prior infection, because of the increased risk of developing severe dengue, should they get infected with dengue later in life. Due to Singapore’s relatively low dengue prevalence, most people are ineligible to receive the vaccine. As such, Dengvaxia vaccination is not an effective way to control dengue at the population level and Singapore does not track the number of people who have taken the vaccine.
Other than Dengvaxia, there are, approximately, six dengue vaccine candidates in various stages of clinical development, with Takeda’s tetravalent, that is, targeting all four dengue strains, dengue vaccine (TAK-003) being the most advanced candidate. Takeda has submitted its dengue vaccine candidate for registration in Singapore and the application is, currently, being reviewed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
MOH will continue to monitor the development of the dengue vaccines and therapeutics as part of a multi-pronged approach to dengue control in Singapore.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Exemption from Vaccinations for Medical Reasons in COVID-19 Vaccination Form","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"45 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Health whether the existing form on Request to be Exempted from COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement has, inadvertently, precluded the possibility of doctors issuing a blanket exemption from vaccinations for medical reasons.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Persons who submit the form for \"Request to be Exempted from COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements\" will be reviewed by doctors on their eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines. All our doctors have been provided guidance from MOH on the conditions to look out for and will recommend blanket exemption when appropriate.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Debt Management Assistance Options for Singaporeans Given Rising Property Rentals and Interest Rates","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"46 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Prime Minister in light of rising property rental rates and interest rates (a) what are the available debt management assistance options to Singaporeans, including those offered by Credit Counselling Singapore; (b) what are the current respective take-up rates of the various options; and (c) whether the Government intends to do more to encourage Singaporeans to seek such assistance and intervention, for example, by destigmatising its use.
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (for the Prime Minister): The household debt situation and credit profile across consumer loan products in Singapore, fortunately, remains healthy by and large. The charge-off rate, a measure of those defaulting on credit card payments, in fact, decreased from 6.3% in the fourth quarter of 2019 to 4.1% in the first quarter of 2022. The proportion of non-performing mortgages has also remained low at less than 1%.
When borrowers face difficulties repaying their debts to financial institutions, their first step should be to approach the lenders early to explore options, such as restructuring payment arrangements. Financial institutions remain committed to provide assistance to borrowers based on their individual circumstances. Applications for assistance with regard to unsecured credit has declined over the last year, from 759 in the first quarter of 2021 to 372 in the first quarter of 2022. Applications for mortgage loan assistance declined from 1,384 to 34 over the period.
Besides such bilateral assistance, individuals with outstanding unsecured debt across more than one financial institution may also consider taking up a debt consolidation plan with a participating bank. Such plans allow borrowers to consolidate all their unsecured credit facilities across financial institutions into a single loan at a lower interest rate, simplifying the debt repayment process. Take-up rates for new debt consolidation plans have also fallen over the past year, from 1,153 arrangements in the first quarter of 2021 to 200 arrangements in the first quarter of 2022.
Borrowers who need additional assistance can seek help from Credit Counselling Singapore, or CCS. CCS provides distressed borrowers with credit counselling and helps them work out debt management plans for unsecured loans with their creditors. The plans will take into account borrowers’ payment capacity after setting aside necessary expenses and, typically, comprise smaller instalment payments over a longer repayment period at a lower interest rate. CCS conducted over 1,800 counselling sessions in 2021, with the numbers declining slightly over the last four quarters. CCS also helped place over 2,300 individuals on debt management plans and other repayment plans in 2021. This number has declined from 540 in the first quarter of 2021 to 384 in the first quarter of 2022.
A blend of early intervention and financial education can help address debt problems upstream. For instance, to encourage financially distressed HDB owners to seek assistance early, MAS has worked with MND, HDB, MOM and financial institutions to establish standardised interventions when late mortgage repayments occur, which include proactively directing borrowers to seek assistance from various sources. These include potential loan restructuring solutions, early referrals to appropriate social service agencies and, in certain limited cases, helping them source for alternative HDB accommodation where foreclosures are unavoidable.
On an ongoing basis, MoneySense, our national financial education programme, actively educates the public on money management skills and provides information on where indebted consumers can seek help.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Encouraging Banks to Help Retired Seniors Refinance Housing Loans","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"47 Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Prime Minister whether MAS can encourage banks to help retired seniors who are above 65 years old refinance their housing loans to adjust to the changing mortgage rates as many seniors are turned down by the financial institutions for such refinancing despite having the financial means to support their repayment of loans.
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (for the Prime Minister): Let me, first, clarify that borrowers are exempted from the total debt servicing ratio, mortgage servicing ratio and loan-to-value limits when they refinance their loans for owner-occupied properties. This helps them explore refinancing options after the lock-in period for their existing mortgages.
Financial institutions will conduct credit assessments on borrowers when considering their request for refinancing. Where borrowers do not have salary income, financial institutions may consider other factors, such as income from rent or financial assets, a borrower’s repayment record and the outstanding loan relative to the value of the property. Some financial institutions may also request for a joint borrower or guarantor with income to be named. This is to ensure that borrowers can continue to service their housing loans over the longer term.
The local banks have committed to be facilitative to borrowers who have the financial means to refinance their property loans. We encourage borrowers to approach their lenders to discuss refinancing options when necessary.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Adequacy of Prevailing Total Debt Servicing Ratio in Minimising Systemic Risk to Financial Institutions and Borrowers","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"48 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Prime Minister in view of rising interest rates and the current inflationary environment, whether the prevailing total debt servicing ratio is sufficient to prevent and minimise systemic risk to both financial institutions and borrowers.
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (for the Prime Minister): The total debt servicing ratio (TDSR) is part of a suite of measures MAS has put in place over the years to encourage prudent borrowing and lending on residential property purchases. The maximum TDSR was lowered to 55% on 16 December 2021.
A key feature of TDSR is that it builds in a buffer against rising interest rates, such as what is occurring now. To calculate mortgage obligations, TDSR is computed using an interest rate which is the higher of 3.5% or the prevailing market rate to calculate mortgage obligations.
The household debt situation in Singapore remains healthy, with the median TDSR at 43% among new loans issued over the past year, compared to the regulatory limit of 55%. As of the first quarter of 2022, the median loan to value ratio for the outstanding stock of mortgages is less than 50%, which means that, in most cases, property prices would have to fall significantly for lenders to realise losses. The credit profile of mortgages is also healthy, with the proportion of delinquent mortgages at less than 1%.
MAS has robust regulatory and supervisory frameworks to minimise systemic risks to financial institutions (FIs). For instance, MAS subjects all major banks to rigorous stress testing to assess any vulnerabilities in their portfolios.
MAS urges households to exercise caution in their new borrowings. They should plan for further interest rate increases and be sure of their ability to service their loans before making additional long-term financial commitments.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Incidents Reported under Safe Sport Unified Code","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"49 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth since the launch of the Safe Sport Unified Code in November 2021 (a) how many incidents of misconduct under the Code have been received under the Safe Sport Programme; (b) how many of these incidents have been referred for formal resolution; and (c) what is the breakdown of the number of incidents which fall into each of the three categories of cases referred for formal resolution.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: Since the launch of the Safe Sport Unified Code in November 2021, there have been 22 reports of alleged infringements.
The 22 reports comprise eight formal reports and 14 disclosures. Unlike a formal report, a disclosure does not trigger formal investigations. However, the provider of the disclosure can convert it into a formal report at any time.
Of the eight formal reports received by the Commission, two allege serious incidents, and six allege incidents of low harm and/or low culpability.
The Commission has investigated all eight formal reports and referred them to the relevant National Sport Associations or the National Registry of Coaches for resolution.
Five of these eight formal report cases have been resolved. The appropriate penalties and requirements were imposed on culpable parties, such as undergoing training in safe sport issues.
The remaining three reports are pending resolution.
The Commission also provided counselling and other forms of support to the victims.
Sport Singapore will continue to work closely with the Safe Sport Commission to ensure that our sporting environment is a safe, healthy and respectful space for all.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Review of Criteria for Issuance of Permanent Residency to Attract Skilled Workers","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"50 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Government will review its criteria for the issue of permanent residence in order to attract skilled workers like nurses and skilled technicians to supplement the workforce in Singapore.
Mr K Shanmugam: Applications for Permanent Residency, or PR, are evaluated on a holistic range of factors, including the individual’s economic contributions, educational qualifications, age and family profile, the applicant’s ability to integrate into our society and commitment to sinking roots in Singapore.
As part of the assessment, we will consider if the applicants possess skills that are in need in various economic and social sectors.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Preserving Sanctity of Sacred Religious Texts or Symbols from Being Misused","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"51 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether there is any regulation or safeguard to preserve the dignity or sanctity of sacred religious texts or symbols from being misused for commercial purpose or on any part of costume or attire, furnishing, decoration or receptacle.
Mr K Shanmugam: It is an offence to denigrate any religion or commit acts that are prejudicial to the maintenance of religious harmony. Anyone who denigrates a religion and causes disharmony, feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will among different religious or racial groups, can be taken to task under sections 298 and 298A of the Penal Code or the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Rationale for Exemption from Fair Consideration Framework and Complementarity Assessment Framework","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"52 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the similarities and differences in the underlying rationale for firms with less than 10 employees being exempted from the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) and for firms with less than 25 employees being exempted from the fundamental criteria 3 and 4 of the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) scheme; (b) whether one scheme is more lenient than the other; and (c) how do these exemptions contribute towards strengthening the Singaporean Core in our workforce.
Dr Tan See Leng: The Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) sets out requirements for all employers in Singapore to consider the workforce in Singapore fairly for job opportunities. One requirement of FCF is the job advertising requirement. Employers must first advertise on MyCareersFuture and fairly consider all candidates, before submitting an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass application. This is intended to promote fair employment practices and improve labour market transparency. In comparison, the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a holistic points-based assessment which, together with the EP qualifying salary, ensures that EP holders are of sufficiently high quality and complement our local workforce. That is how both the FCF and COMPASS work together to safeguard good employment outcomes for locals. As the FCF job advertising requirement and COMPASS impact small firms in different ways, the thresholds for small firms are also different under these two policies. Let me elaborate.
Small firms with fewer than 10 employees are exempted from the FCF job advertising requirement. This is for pragmatic reasons. We recognise that micro-sized firms have limited resources and are mindful of the administrative burden of various rules and regulations on such firms, notwithstanding the good intentions. The job advertising requirement is only one part of FCF. Exemption from the job advertising requirement is not the same as exemption from the FCF. All employers are still expected to practise fair consideration and merit-based hiring, as set out in the Tripartite Guidelines for Fair Employment Practices. MOM will investigate all complaints of unfair hiring practices, regardless of the size of the firm in question.
COMPASS has four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria. EP applications need to score 40 points to qualify for an EP. Small firms with fewer than 25 PMET employees will score 10 points, by default, on the two firm-related criteria on Diversity and Support for Local Employment. This is because the workforce ratios for these two criteria are not meaningful for firms with a relatively small number of PMET employees, as the ratios are easily skewed by small changes in their personnel. Hence, it is more reasonable to give such firms a default score on these firm-related criteria. However, these same firms will still need to score another 20 points on the individual-level or bonus criteria. This ensures that their EP candidates are of sufficiently high quality and complementary to our local workforce.
Moreover, as these small firms grow over time, they will, subsequently, be held to the same requirements as other firms on the firm-related criteria. Therefore, they will still have an incentive to build up a strong local workforce and diverse foreign workforce.
I hope this helps to explain why the threshold used to determine small firms under FCF and COMPASS is different. It is not because one scheme is more lenient than the other, but because the underlying rationale is different. The treatment for small firms under FCF and COMPASS is designed to take into account the circumstances of such small firms and ensure that our policies do not affect them disproportionately.
Ultimately, it is in our interest to ensure that we have a conducive environment for both local and foreign startups to anchor themselves in Singapore and to scale up, creating more job opportunities for locals.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Higher Foreign Manpower Quota for Town Councils to Better Meet Cleanliness Expectations of Singaporeans","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"53 Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry can allocate more foreign manpower quota for Town Councils so that Town Councils can better meet the cleanliness expectations of Singaporeans.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Government recognises that Town Councils may face challenges in getting locals to take on cleaning and conservancy work in HDB housing estates where the majority of Singaporeans reside. Hence, we have granted a concession to Town Councils where contractors engaged by Town Councils for cleaning and conservancy work are allowed to engage Work Permit holders from non-traditional sources, in addition to the sources permitted for the Services sector. This is to help ensure there is sufficient manpower for cleaning and conservancy works in our HDB estates.
While foreign workers can augment our workforce to better meet existing needs, it would not be possible to keep increasing the quotas set. Town Councils and cleaning contractors are encouraged to explore automation and other best practices to avoid over-reliance on manual labour and foreign workers for cleaning and conservancy work.
Nevertheless, should Town Councils have extenuating circumstances which require them to engage more foreign workers beyond the quota allocated to them, they can surface the details to MND and we will work with MOM to assess the request.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Threshold for Price Increases on Food Items before Government Intervention","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"54 Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Trade and Industry in view of some countries’ export bans on food items, whether the Ministry has a threshold for cost increases for such items before considering intervention measures to stabilise the prices of these items.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict have resulted in global supply shortages and price rises in many items, including food. Some countries have imposed export bans on food items in a bid to mitigate rising domestic food prices, which, in turn, fuelled the supply crunch and caused prices to surge further. From May 2021 to 2022, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Food Price index saw a rise of 22.8%.
As Singapore imports most of our food needs, we will, inevitably, be affected by the higher global prices. However, price interventions to control rising food prices may, inadvertently, result in shortages if importers stop supplying to Singapore because of price controls here. Instead, we use three key measures to mitigate the effects of higher global food prices.
The first is a strong Singapore dollar. The last three rounds of tightening of Singapore’s monetary policy have helped to moderate the pass-through effects of external inflationary pressures.
Second, we diversify our sources of food supply so that we are less exposed to supply disruptions in specific regions or countries. Because of these two measures, food inflation in Singapore has been more moderate than in the rest of the world. For May 2022, Singapore's non-cooked food prices recorded a 4.5% increase on a year-on-year basis, compared to 22.8% in the FAO Index.
Third, the Government will continue to assist lower-income and vulnerable Singaporeans through support packages, such as the $1.5 billion package announced by MOF on 21 June 2022.
Unfortunately, the higher food prices may persist for a while, given the disruptions to global supplies. The Government will monitor the situation and do more if necessary. We also encourage consumers to use the Price Kaki App developed by CASE, which allows them to compare the prices of food items from different suppliers and helps them stretch their dollars.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"More Chances for Applicants Buying HDB BTO Flats Near Parents","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"55 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development whether an even higher priority of four chances can be given to applicants of HDB BTO flats when they apply for flats near to their parents.
Mr Desmond Lee: Families who wish to buy a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat to live with or near their parents or married child enjoy priority in their flat application under the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS) and the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS).
Under MCPS, HDB sets aside up to 30% of flat supply for first-timer families and up to 15% of flat supply for second-timer families. Within the MCPS quota, first priority is given to applicants who apply for a flat to live with their parents or married child, and parents who own a flat in the mature estates and apply for a flat in the non-mature estates to live near their married child.
Married couples and their parents can also make a joint application for two new flats in the same BTO project under MGPS. The parents can book a 2-room Flexi or 3-room flat, and up to 15% of these flats are set aside for MGPS parents. A corresponding number of flats in the project is set aside for married couple applicants.
Besides these priority schemes, first-timer families are given two ballot chances, compared to one for second-timer families. First-timer families who have two or more unsuccessful applications for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates are also given an additional ballot chance for their subsequent BTO application in the non-mature estates. As a result, virtually all first-timer families who have applied for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates, regardless of their eligibility for priority schemes, are successful by their third try.
Families also have the option of buying a resale flat, and eligible families who live with or near their parents or married child can enjoy a Proximity Housing Grant of up to $30,000 and $20,000 respectively.
I thank the Member for his suggestion and assure him that MND and HDB will continue to review our public housing polices to ensure that they remain relevant and responsive to the needs of flat buyers.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Prevalence of Drip Pricing and Its Impact on Business of Physical Merchants","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"56 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore has received complaints or feedback that drip pricing, where the advertised price does not contain additional fees to be added in a sale/purchase, is eroding the business of physical merchants in favour of online ones.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Drip pricing refers to the practice of advertising a product or service at a lower headline price and subsequently disclosing (dripping) additional mandatory or optional fees along with the transaction or payment process, resulting in a higher final price. While the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) and the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) have received some feedback on drip pricing practices, the number of incidents is small. These occurred in both online and physical store retailers.
Under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (CPFTA), all suppliers, whether operating online or in physical stores, must ensure that unavoidable fees and charges are included in the total headline price, or disclosed to the consumer clearly and prominently together with the headline price. Consumers who encounter instances of drip pricing can approach CASE for assistance. In egregious cases, CASE will refer errant businesses to CCCS for investigation under CPFTA, regardless of whether they are online or physical stores. To help businesses, CCCS published the Price Transparency Guidelines in 2020 which give greater clarity on pricing practices that could potentially infringe CPFTA.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Allowing Existing HDB Flat Owners whose Flats are Within Minimum Occupation Period to Apply for New BTO Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"57 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development given the long lead times between application and receipt of HDB BTO flats, whether HDB has considered allowing existing HDB flat owners whose HDB flats are still within the Minimum Occupation Period to apply for a new BTO flat so as to facilitate advance planning.
Mr Desmond Lee: All HDB flat owners of new and resale flats need to fulfil a minimum occupation period (MOP). The MOP reinforces the principle that HDB flats are, primarily, meant for owner-occupation and ensures that flat buyers purchase an HDB flat with the intention of living in it. The MOP also deters speculative purchases, thereby helping to keep HDB flats affordable.
Flat owners are not allowed to apply for a new flat from HDB during the MOP. This is to allow HDB to better prioritise our limited supply of new flats for buyers who do not yet own an HDB flat; it also helps manage the demand from those who do not have urgent housing needs.
Flat owners who need to move out urgently after meeting the MOP and are unable to wait for BTO flats may consider buying a resale flat on the open market. Buyers can choose from a wide range of resale flats for different budgets and needs, and these flats are, generally, ready for immediate occupation. Eligible buyers can also consider applying for flats from HDB through the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) or open booking of flats, where some flats are near completion or completed, if they have urgent housing needs and do not have specific requirements as to the flat location.
That said, we recognise that some flat owners may have extenuating circumstances that require them to apply for another flat before the end of the MOP. HDB will consider such appeals on a case-by-case basis.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Tracking of Electricity Usage to Help Residents Save on Utility Bills","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"58 Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment with regard to the Smart Water Meter Programme (a) whether there are similar plans for the programme to be implemented for electric metering; and (b) what are the ways to expedite the rollout of the programme to assist residents to save on their utility bills and to provide greater insights for residents to reduce consumption in support of the SG Green Plan.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Smart Water Meter Programme is being rolled out progressively across Singapore. A Smart Water Meter records volume of water used and transmits the data remotely to PUB daily via digital communications network, thus removing the need for manual readings. Such data would enable PUB to better optimise water demand management and customers to better track and manage their water usage habits.
Under the first phase of the programme, PUB has commenced the installation of smart water meters in Tampines Central since January this year. Some 3,000 households now have access to daily and hourly water consumption data through the MySmartWaterMeter customer portal, which also provides residents with suspected leak alerts and useful water-saving tips to help them reduce their water bills.
The global shortage of microchips has led to some delay in the rolling out of smart water meters. Nevertheless, PUB still aims to install about 300,000 smart water meters in Bukit Batok, Hougang, Jurong West, Tuas, Tampines and Tengah by next year under the first phase of the programme.
PUB is, concurrently, preparing for the next phase of the Smart Water Meter Programme to install smart water meters in the rest of Singapore. PUB will review the rollout of the first phase, build up its capabilities and expertise, and take into account advances in technology before implementing smart water meters for the rest of Singapore.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Evaluations by Committee Against Profiteering for Legitimacy of Prices Set by Businesses","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"59 Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for Trade and Industry how does the Committee Against Profiteering evaluate the legitimacy of prices set by businesses, the process and the details which businesses need to submit.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The role of the Committee Against Profiteering (CAP) is to review and investigate feedback on the unjustified rise in prices of essential products and services which use the GST increase as an excuse.
CAP works with various agencies and organisations, including the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS), the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) and the People’s Association (PA) to review all feedback received. If there are grounds to suspect profiteering which uses the GST increase as an excuse, CAP will engage the business involved to find out the reasons for the price increase and evaluate the explanations provided.
Businesses are expected to be transparent about their prices and not misrepresent the reasons for any price increase. The CAP feedback and review process has been designed such that while it is easy for consumers to provide feedback, it also does not impose any additional regulatory burden on businesses.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Review of Measures to Ensure Circumstances Leading to Unauthorised Clearance of Kranji Forest Do Not Recur","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"60 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Ministry has completed its review of measures to ensure that the circumstances leading to the unauthorised clearance of the Kranji forest do not recur; (b) if so, what is the outcome of the review; and (c) what is the current status of the Sungei Kadut Eco-District project.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Taking a system-level view, the Ministers had asked Permanent Secretary Joseph Leong to review how agencies could learn from the incident and improve. The review found that the land clearance systems and processes are generally sound, but, nonetheless, made further recommendations to strengthen them. Agencies are already in the process of implementing these measures.
As for the Kranji land clearance incident in particular, four individuals have been charged in Court for offences under the Parks and Trees Act and Wildlife Act in respect of certain actions which led to the unauthorised tree-felling. Minister Chan Chun Sing also informed the House on 10 March 2022 that Police investigations had found that two of these individuals, who were officers in JTC’s project team then, had provided inaccurate information about the incident to their superiors at JTC.
As the criminal proceedings against the individuals involved in the Kranji incident are ongoing, I will not comment further on the details of this specific case, so as not to prejudice the ongoing proceedings. Suffice to say, we will not hesitate to take appropriate action when public officers are found to have committed wrongdoings.
JTC has reviewed its internal processes arising from the recommendations. I will next share with members the measures that JTC has implemented to strengthen its processes and capabilities in land clearance projects.
First, JTC has established a Construction Regulatory Compliance Unit (CRCU) to oversee and check regulatory approvals for all JTC development projects. CRCU serves as an additional and independent check to ensure proper project approvals have been obtained. CRCU will report directly to the Audit and Risk Committee of the JTC Board. Concurrently, JTC has also established teams which will specifically focus on projects with environmental impact with the necessary expertise and training.
Second, JTC has set up an Environmental Planning and Design Unit (EPDU) to manage and coordinate biodiversity and environmental requirements for its land clearances. It will also oversee environmental planning, design, and studies at the master planning stage.
Third, JTC has further strengthened its project management through digitalisation. For example, JTC has extended its Integrated Digital Delivery processes, which are used to monitor building projects, to cover works, such as land clearance. Doing so will allow JTC’s project managers, consultants and contractors to better monitor the progress of all land clearance works on the ground.
Fourth, JTC will form a Biodiversity and Environmental Advisory Panel (BEAP), comprising nature group representatives and environmental experts, to strengthen its management of biodiversity and environmental issues in land planning and development projects. BEAP will assist JTC by providing inputs for projects that may have significant environmental impact.
These measures will strengthen JTC’s capabilities and processes on land clearances, environmental protection and project management. JTC will continue to ensure that officers uphold the highest standards of integrity and governance in carrying out their duties.
The Sungei Kadut Eco-District (SKED) is a 500-hectare, multi-year project that will see one of Singapore’s oldest industrial estates transformed into a next generation estate supporting new growth sectors, such as agri-tech and environment technology, as part of the planned Northern Food and Agri-Tech Corridor. It will create good job roles for Singaporeans, such as system engineers, plant scientists and aquaculture nutritionists. Although SKED is a mature industrial estate, it will feature a vast network of green spaces, including parks, park connectors and nature ways, that will facilitate ecological connectivity between the Central Catchment Nature Reserve to Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat.
JTC reaffirms the need to balance between nature conservation and development and will continue to work with the relevant agencies to implement SKED’s rejuvenation plans in a manner that is sensitive and sustainable and minimise impact to greenery and wildlife. Development works at the Agri-Food Innovation Park will resume once all the required regulatory approvals have been obtained.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Amending Wills Act 1838 to Provide for Revocation of Appointment of Former Spouse as Executor or Beneficiary in A Will","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"62 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Law whether the Ministry will consider the feasibility of amending the Wills Act 1838 to provide for, in the event of a divorce or annulment of marriage, the revocation of an appointment of the former spouse as an executor or beneficiary under a will that was executed by a testator during the subsistence of the marriage.
Mr K Shanmugam: Today, under Singapore law, a divorce or an annulment of marriage does not, in itself, affect the appointment of the former spouse as an executor or beneficiary under a will that was executed by the testator during the subsistence of the marriage. Therefore, a testator who is undergoing, or who has undergone, divorce or annulment proceedings should carefully consider if there is a need to modify the arrangements under his or her existing will.
Some jurisdictions, such as the UK, New Zealand and Hong Kong, have moved, in the way suggested by the Member, to amend their legislation to provide for automatic revocation of a will (or part thereof) in the event of divorce or marriage annulment. We thank the Member for his suggestion and will study the feasibility of providing for such automatic revocation in future reviews of the Wills Act.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Recovery of Passenger Traffic at Changi Airport Given Lifting of COVID-19 Restrictions","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"63 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Transport (a) how much has the passenger traffic at Changi Airport recovered in the first half of the year, particularly during the June school holidays, as compared to the pre-COVID-19 period; (b) what is the progress on beefing up manpower requirements in the aviation sector in response to the higher air traffic volume; and (c) whether the Ministry has plans to deal with potential major flight delays and cancellations.
Mr S Iswaran: In the first six months of 2022, Changi handled about 8.9 million passengers. This is about 28% of pre-pandemic passenger traffic over the same period in 2019, but almost 10 times Changi’s passenger traffic over the same period in 2021. In particular, we have seen strong traffic over the June school holidays, which averaged around 50% of pre-pandemic weekly passenger traffic.
Changi’s strong passenger traffic recovery is due to the reopening of Singapore’s borders to all fully vaccinated travellers and removal of testing requirements in April, as well as many Asia Pacific countries also reopening their borders around that time.
In anticipation of further recovery, Changi Airport is increasing capacity by reopening Terminal 4 from September and the South Departure Hall in Terminal 2 from October. This will enable the airport to handle up to pre-COVID-19 passenger traffic levels, or about 70 million passengers per annum.
To support this, MOT and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) are working closely with the Changi Airport Group (CAG) and the aviation ecosystem to ramp up the aviation workforce. Aviation companies have stepped up recruitment efforts, recalling experienced workers and hiring new workers.
The sector is also working together on initiatives to profile the wide range of job opportunities. These include the sector-wide OneAviation Careers event held in May and the OneAviation Careers Hub web portal that will be launched later this year.
As we have seen in other airports around the world, it is not easy to ramp up manpower and passenger handling capacity at short notice. Successful applicants need to be trained to meet the safety and work requirements of their roles before they can be deployed. Since the start of 2022, aviation companies have hired about 3,000 workers, which brings the sector's workforce to about 80% of pre-COVID-19 levels. The tripartite partners are continuing with the recruitment efforts to rebuild our aviation workforce.
The aviation stakeholders have prepared contingency plans to mitigate disruptions to passengers caused by flight delays or flight cancellations overseas. Airlines also have Standard Operating Procedures to rebook or find accommodation for affected passengers.
Thanks to the efforts of the whole aviation community, including our companies and unions, we have not experienced the severe congestions and disruptions faced by some other airports. Let us keep up the good work and continue to work together to uphold Changi’s status as a world-class aviation hub.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Average Passenger Load on Trunk and Feeder Bus Services during Peak Hours","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"64 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry has data on the average passenger load on trunk and feeder bus services during peak hours (i) from 1 January to 28 March 2022, (ii) from 29 March to 25 April 2022 and (iii) from 26 April to date; (b) if so, what are they; and (c) what is the threshold before additional buses will be added on a route to reduce overcrowding.
Mr S Iswaran: For feeder services, the average weekday peak hour passenger load increased from 39% in January this year to 44% in mid-June, while trunk services rose from 43% to 50% over the same period. LTA will work with bus operators to add bus capacity when there is sustained high passenger loading of more than 80% to 85% of capacity over the heaviest one-hour period.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Technology Industry's Impact on Singapore's Economy","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"65 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) how significant is the technology industry to the Singapore economy, by number of jobs or otherwise; and (b) whether and how the Government expects the wave of global layoffs in major technology companies to impact Singapore and Singaporeans.
Mrs Josephine Teo: The use of technology has intensified across all sectors of the economy, most notably in manufacturing and financial services. While there are no clearly defined boundaries, the tech sector, generally, refers to the Information and Communications (I&C) sector. Last year, the I&C sector grew by 12.2%, which far outpaced many sectors. It contributed $28.4 billion to the economy, accounting for 5.6% of Singapore’s GDP. In the corresponding period, the sector also employed about 170,000 workers, which made up about 5% of total employment in Singapore.
While the I&C sector continues to be a bright spot for Singapore, we recognise that the macroeconomic environment is becoming increasingly challenging, and the I&C sector is not immune to these economic shocks. We will continue to build on our strong fundamentals and invest in our people to make sure that we remain nimble to seize any opportunities that might arise.
We will continue to monitor global developments and work with relevant parties to ensure that our digital economy remains competitive and resilient.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Impact on Service Standards of Government Agencies When Civil Servants Work From Home","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"66 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Prime Minister (a) whether service standards by Government agencies have been affected when civil servants work from home; and (b) whether this has been verified by tracking residents' feedback on service quality rendered by Government agencies.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): The Public Service has had to adopt new ways of working over the last two years due to COVID-19. In line with the national posture to prevent the spread of the virus and keep employees and the citizens they serve safe, Public Service agencies had implemented arrangements, such as work-from-home and split teams. To ensure that services were not disrupted even as they had to reduce physical interactions with citizens, agencies had to switch quickly towards hybrid ways of delivering services, leveraging more on call centres and digital service delivery.
Throughout the pandemic, the Public Service continues to monitor service levels and conduct citizen satisfaction surveys at both the agency and whole-of-Public-Service levels. In 2020, slight dips were observed in service levels for call centre services while satisfaction for digital services were maintained. Overall citizen satisfaction for service delivery showed a drop, although the satisfaction level showed signs of recovery towards the end of 2020 and into 2021. These results are not surprising, given the surge in calls when physical services had to be reduced within short notice and the heightened anxieties from citizens during the pandemic. Furthermore, the Public Service workforce was stretched thin as officers also had to be diverted to staff up new COVID-19-related operations urgently.
Moving forward, the Public Service will continue to uphold high standards of service delivery. Hybrid workplaces and service delivery are expected to be a feature in the new normal, post COVID-19. The past two years’ experience has provided us some useful learning. We will continue with efforts to organise and train our service workforce and leverage technology towards improving and integrating physical, digital and call centre services around our citizens to serve them better.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Males who Become Singapore Citizens by Registration and Percentage of Those Not Required to Serve National Service","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"67 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Defence of the males who have become Singapore Citizens by registration since 2000 (a) what is the percentage of those who are not required to serve National Service; and (b) what do they do to fulfil their obligation to share in the defence burden of our country.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents between the ages of 18 and 40 for non-officers and, 18 and 50 for officers, are liable to serve National Service (NS). However, males who receive citizenship as mature adults, typically in their 30s and 40s, are not enlisted as they are not suitable for full-time NS at that age and did not enjoy any benefits prior to their citizenship.
New male citizens who stayed in Singapore when young and enjoyed economic and social benefits are enlisted when they reach 18 years of age or older. They number, on average, 3,400 each year, which constitute about half of all new male citizens registered each year.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Flat Options and Completion Dates of Replacement Flats for Affected Residents in Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme Exercise in Ang Mo Kio","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WANA","content":"68 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether residents, particularly seniors, affected by HDB's Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme in Ang Mo Kio are disadvantaged by the number of flat options available in their preferred location for retirement; and (b) whether there will be sufficient BTO flats allocated with completion dates earlier than 2028 for their selection.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Selective En-Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) was introduced in 1995 as part of our estate renewal strategy for older HDB estates. It allows us to renew older estates, optimise land-use and provide better homes for residents.
On top of compensation for the SERS flat, which is based on the prevailing market value of the flat as at SERS announcement, and additional benefits, such as a SERS grant of $30,000 and a removal allowance of $10,000, flat owners are offered new replacement flats that come with fresh 99-year leases. These are priced with a generous subsidy, making their prices considerably lower than comparable resale flats in the vicinity. Alternatively, SERS residents can apply for new flats elsewhere under the Build-To-Order (BTO) or Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises and enjoy a 10% priority allocation. They can also choose to purchase a resale flat and will receive an additional amount of $30,000, on top of the SERS grant. Residents aged 55 and above also have the option to purchase a 2-room Flexi flat with a short lease.
Holding size, location and other attributes constant, an older flat with a shorter remaining lease will have a lower market value than a younger one with a longer lease. For past SERS exercises, the flats had been younger and the market compensation for flat owners had, generally, been sufficient for the residents to choose a new replacement flat of a similar type or size on a fresh 99-year lease.
For the latest SERS exercise at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, based on the estimated compensation amounts and estimated selling prices of the replacement flats, flat owners will, generally, be able to purchase a replacement flat of a similar flat type with the compensation provided, with a fresh 99-year lease, albeit, possibly, a smaller floor area. Nonetheless, we understand the concerns of flat owners, especially the seniors, who have expressed that they do not wish to top up the payment for an equivalent flat on a 99-year lease as they have no need for such a long lease. Their priority is to secure a replacement flat of similar size, in surroundings familiar to them.
Taking into consideration the views and feedback from the residents, MND and HDB have provided two additional housing options to meet the different rehousing needs of SERS flat owners.
First, we will offer 3-room or larger flats on a 50-year lease at the designated replacement site, if this is able to last the flat owner till at least age 95. For the flat owners at Ang Mo Kio, a 50-year lease would be similar to the balance lease of their flats by the time they move to their replacement flats in 2027.
In addition, we will also offer the seniors at the SERS site the option to take up the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) for their existing flat even though SERS has been announced. These seniors can then buy a short-lease replacement flat thereafter.
These additional options will be offered to eligible flat owners in SERS sites, starting from the SERS site at Blocks 562 to 565 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, which was announced on 7 April 2022.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Households' Exposure to Unsecured Consumer Credit and Other Forms of Lending outside Purview of Financial Institutions Regulated by MAS","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"1 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Prime Minister (a) how does MAS assess Singaporeans' exposure to unsecured consumer credit and other forms of lending which may take place outside the purview of financial institutions regulated by MAS; (b) whether MAS studies scenarios in which the total debt servicing ratio may underestimate household exposure; and (c) whether stress test simulations are conducted to assess household vulnerability, especially for households with limited means and, if so, what are the findings.
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (for the Prime Minister): Financial institutions (FIs) regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) provide about 98% of all credit extended to Singapore households. The remaining 2% includes credit extended by licensed moneylenders regulated by MinLaw, hire-purchase agreements regulated by MTI and credit-co-operatives overseen by MCCY.
These Government agencies have coordinated to implement safeguards on consumer credit, guided by the shared objective of discouraging consumers from spending beyond their means. These include the application of caps to the maximum amount of unsecured borrowings that an individual can obtain from an FI, a licensed moneylender or a credit co-operative.
The Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework looks at a borrower's monthly expenses on credit facilities extended by FIs and non-FIs, including mortgages, car loans and unsecured debt, as a proportion of the borrower's income. The framework is designed and calibrated to ensure that the calculated TDSR provides a conservative estimate of borrowers' debt servicing ability across a variety of scenarios.
One, FIs are required to ascertain borrowers' total debt obligations, based on credit bureau checks and the latest available statements for loans taken up with FIs and non-FIs.
Two, a borrower's income is also estimated conservatively, with haircuts applied to variable income and eligible financial assets.
Three, the interest rate used to calculate property loan repayments under TDSR is the higher of 3.5% or the prevailing market rate. This provides a buffer for borrowers to service their mortgages amidst a rise in interest rates, such as what we are seeing now.
MAS, additionally, conducts stress tests to assess the resilience of household debt serviceability under adverse scenarios of sharp interest rate hikes and significant income losses. The results suggest that most households should still be able to service their debts but there will be a small segment of households which may be more constrained by rising interest rates. Such vulnerable borrowers should approach their lenders early to explore possible loan refinancing and repayment solutions.
Borrowers should exercise caution and be sure of their ability to service their loans before making additional financial commitments.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Recent Interruption of Digital Banking Services and Affected Customers","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"2 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Prime Minister (a) how many banks regulated by MAS have recently experienced interruption of digital banking services and for how long; (b) how many customers are affected; (c) whether MAS has assessed the dependencies of financial institutions on third-party cloud computing networks, including the provision of digital banking services; and (d) what lessons have been drawn from the interruption of service.
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam (for the Prime Minister): Since July 2021, four major retail banks1 have reported a total number of eight interruptions to their digital banking services. The incidents were mostly resolved within three hours. They affected, on average, about 12,000 customers, with the numbers ranging from 500 to 37,000. The longest interruption of 39 hours was experienced by DBS Bank from 23 to 25 November 2021, arising from a malfunction of the bank's access control servers.
The root causes of these incidents lay mainly within the banks themselves, such as software misconfigurations, system malfunctions and errors that were introduced when the banks were making system changes. One of the incidents was related to an outage in a third-party cloud service provider.
MAS takes seriously all IT incidents that affect the availability of digital banking services. It requires banks to be able to recover systems supporting critical banking services, such as fund transfers and payments services, within four hours following any disruption. In addition, the total unscheduled downtime for each critical system must not exceed four hours within any 12-month period. MAS takes supervisory action when the banks breach these requirements.
In the case of the prolonged interruption in DBS Bank's digital banking services in November 2021, MAS directed the bank to appoint an independent expert to conduct a comprehensive review of the incident, including the bank's controls and recovery actions and how a similar incident can be prevented in future. The bank has also been directed to rectify all shortcomings identified from the review and implement measures to ensure that any future disruption to its digital banking services is resolved quickly and adequately. MAS has required the bank to hold additional capital2 until all shortcomings identified from the review are satisfactorily rectified.
The recent incidents highlight the need for banks to continually review their IT resilience strategy and ensure that there is sufficient redundancy and fault tolerance built into their digital banking IT infrastructure. In addition, swift diagnosis and recovery of systems, coupled with robust business continuity management, are critical in minimising the impact of an IT disruption.
MAS has recently published a set of new Business Continuity Management Guidelines (BCMG)3 that set out measures that financial institutions can employ to sustain critical business services and to minimise service disruption. They include identifying the end-to-end dependencies across business processes, systems, manpower and other resources required to deliver critical business services and addressing any gaps that could hinder the effective recovery of these services during an outage.
Globally, financial institutions are increasingly relying on third-party services, such as public cloud computing. This increases financial institutions' exposure to third-party risks. MAS has highlighted third-party risks as one of the key areas for financial institutions to focus on in both BCMG and the Technology Risk Management Guidelines (TRMG)4.
MAS has been working closely with the industry, global financial regulators and leading service providers, on best practices to manage third-party risks.
One, MAS has collaborated with the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) to issue guidelines on sound cloud computing practices5. It has also issued an advisory on managing the risks of using public cloud computing services.
Two, MAS has been co-leading an international subgroup on cloud monitoring and identity and access management under the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
The technology landscape that banks operate in is becoming more complex. It is, hence, critical that banks continually maintain and uplift the security and resiliency of their IT systems so as to maintain stability and trust in the banking system. MAS will continue to work closely with the industry in this regard.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":["1 : Citibank Singapore Limited, DBS Bank Limited, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, United Overseas Bank Limited.","2 : In February 2022, MAS has required DBS Bank to apply a multiplier of 1.5 times to its risk-weighted assets for operational risk. This translates to an additional amount of approximately S$930 million in regulatory capital (based on reported financial statements as at 30 September 2021). The additional capital requirement will be reviewed when MAS is satisfied that DBS Bank has addressed the identified shortcomings.","3 : The revised BCMG was issued on 6 June 2022.","4 : The revised TRMG was issued on 18 January 2021.","5 : The Association of Banks in Singapore, in collaboration with MAS and the industry, has published a Cloud Computing Implementation Guide in 2016, with a second revision in 2019."],"footNoteQuestions":["2"],"questionNo":"2"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Mean, Median and Range of Total Annual Remuneration of MX 9 (Superscale) Grade in Civil Service for Past Five Years","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"3 Mr Leon Perera asked the Prime Minister for each of the past five years (a) what is the mean, median and range of total annual remuneration of the MX 9 (Superscale) grade in the Civil Service; and (b) of the total annual remuneration paid to MX9 officers, what is the average breakdown between the base salary and each component of bonuses paid.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): Superscale officers, generally, hold senior management positions and form around 2.5% of the Civil Service. Over the last five years, the annual remuneration of MX 9 officers ranged from about $200,000 to $260,000, depending on economic growth for the year and an officer's individual performance.
Salaries comprise both fixed and variable components, of which the latter varies depending on economic conditions and individual performance. Together, the variable components constituted around 20% to 35% of the total annual remuneration at the MX 9 level in the last five years.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Foreign Reserves Transferred to GIC To-date and Additional Reserves Accumulated since February 2022","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"4 Ms Hazel Poa asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) how much of the official foreign reserves have been transferred to GIC to date; and (b) how much additional reserves has MAS accumulated since the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Amendment) Act came into operation on 21 February 2022.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Since the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (Amendment) Act commenced on 21 February 2022, MAS can subscribe for Reserves Management Government Securities (RMGS) to transfer Official Foreign Reserves (OFR) not needed by MAS to conduct monetary policy and support financial stability, to the Government for longer-term management by GIC. As at end-May 2022, the outstanding amount of RMGS was S$122.6 billion, net of the RMGS redeemed by the Government.
MAS’ OFR balance decreased by S$105.9 billion from S$579.2 billion as at end-February 2022 to S$473.3 billion as at end-May 2022,1 primarily, reflecting the above transfers to the Government to bring OFR closer to the optimal amount as assessed by MAS. This was partially offset by other factors, such as reserve accumulation through monetary operations and investment income.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":["1 : Available at https://www.mas.gov.sg/statistics/reserve-statistics/official-foreign-reserves"],"footNoteQuestions":["4"],"questionNo":"4"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Proportion of Non-officer versus Officer-level Personnel Supported by Career Transition Resource Centre","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"5 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Defence (a) what is the proportion of non-officer versus officer-level (including Warrant Officers) personnel supported by the Career Transition Resource Centre in assisting their transition from a career in the armed forces; and (b) whether SAF maintains successful placement statistics for non-officer versus officer-level retirees.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: The stipulated retirement age for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) military officers is 50 and 55 for most warrant officers and specialists. In view of their shorter careers with SAF, MINDEF’s Career Transition Resource Centre (CTRC) supports all such personnel with their transition to a second career upon their retirement from SAF.1
CTRC’s support includes dedicated career coaching by certified in-house career advisors, job referrals and networking events. Supported personnel are also provided funds and time-off to attend courses and seminars, go for job interviews and embark on internships that can serve as a springboard into their sector of interest. These programmes have successfully assisted most personnel in their transitions. For both officers and warrant officers/specialists who intend to continue working after they left SAF, more than 80% were able to secure jobs within six months and 90% within a year.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":["1 : As for military experts who can work until 60 with SAF, the focus is on strengthening their continuous expertise development and lifelong employability so that they can contribute their expertise, which is relevant to other jobs outside of SAF."],"footNoteQuestions":["5"],"questionNo":"5"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Percentage of Uncovered Drug Operations and Transactions Conducted via Chat Applications","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"6 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Ministry can provide an update on what is the current percentage of uncovered drug operations and transactions that are conducted via encrypted chat applications.
Mr K Shanmugam: Drug traffickers and abusers employ various communication methods to coordinate and conduct their transactions, including encrypted chat applications, such as Telegram and Whatsapp, phone calls and meetings in person.
For example, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has observed that traffickers increasingly use encrypted chat apps to advertise the sale of drugs to new clients and to arrange for the delivery of the drugs.
We are unable to provide the percentage of uncovered drug operations and transactions that are conducted via encrypted chat apps for operational security reasons.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Measures to Prevent Trafficking and Smuggling of Drug Cocktails Disguised as Food Products","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"7 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Home Affairs what measures are in place to prevent drug cocktails, such as \"Happy Water\", which are disguised as food products from being trafficked and smuggled into Singapore.
Mr K Shanmugam: The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is closely monitoring the emergence of drug cocktails in Southeast Asia, including \"Happy Water\" which is known to contain controlled drugs, such as ketamine, Ecstasy, methamphetamine and prescription drugs, such as diazepam and tramadol.
Drug trafficking syndicates constantly employ novel concealment methods, such as by disguising drugs as food products, to smuggle drugs into Singapore. CNB will continue to work with its partner agencies to deter, detect and disrupt these drug smuggling activities.
In 2021, CNB seized packets and bottles of \"Happy Water\" in separate operations. CNB also intercepted drugs which were concealed within food packaging on several other occasions.
In addition, CNB will continue with its efforts to educate the public on drug-laced consumables that are disguised as food or drink products.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Rental Cost as a Percentage of Total Business Cost from 2000 to 2021","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"8 Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Ministry tracks rental cost as a percentage of total business cost for businesses in Singapore; and (b) if so, what is this percentage for each year from 2000 to 2021.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Department of Statistics and the Economic Development Board compile data on business costs, including rental costs, of firms in the services and manufacturing sectors, respectively.
Data on the share of rental costs in total business costs in the services and manufacturing sectors as a whole for the period of 2000 to 2020 (latest available data) are provided in Table 1. Over this period, the share of rental costs in total business costs was relatively stable, at around 3.1%, on average.
9 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Trade and Industry in light of the prevalent increases in prices of food and private hire transport fares (a) what measures has the Government considered to ensure that such prices do not drift persistently higher, in addition to the oversight by the Committee Against Profiteering (CAP); and (b) whether CAP will establish guidelines for businesses in order to ensure that the price increases do not harden and remain high even when global pressures ease.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Global supply disruptions, due in large part to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the pandemic, have fuelled inflationary pressures globally. As a small and open economy, Singapore's domestic prices will, inevitably, be affected.
The Committee Against Profiteering (CAP)'s role is to review and investigate feedback on unjustified price increases of essential goods and services using the GST increase as a cover. CAP does not interfere with businesses' pricing decisions per se but issues guidelines to encourage businesses to be transparent with their prices and not misrepresent the reasons for any price increase.
To prevent the price increases from being excessive and \"hardened\", we are working with industry partners, including major retailers, to ensure that the prices of daily necessities and food items are competitive and affordable. Initiatives, such as the Price Kaki price comparison app, will also improve price transparency and introduce more competitive pressures into pricing decisions.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Timeline and Milestones Towards Achieving Islandwide Full Operational Deployment of Autonomous Vehicles","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"10 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport what are the timeline and milestones towards achieving (i) islandwide full operational deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs), (ii) the implementation of associated infrastructure across Singapore and (iii) the introduction of regulations and laws governing the use of AVs.
Mr S Iswaran: The timeline for the deployment of AVs in Singapore is dependent on the progress of AV technology in meeting safety standards and gaining public acceptance, within our local context.
Globally, AV companies are still conducting early trials and developing the technology for the diverse range of environments in different cities, including Singapore. The technology is not ready for large-scale city-wide deployment.
Our approach to AV deployment will be gradual and inclusive. We will ensure that AVs meet the necessary safety standards to pave the way for public acceptance. In tandem, the relevant agencies will plan and develop the associated infrastructure, as well as the legislative and regulatory framework to support AV deployment, in close partnership with industry players and technical experts.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number and Average Age of Buses Operated or Maintained by Public Transport Operators and Stored at Bus Depots","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"11 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether the Ministry has data on the total number of buses operated or maintained by public transport operators; (b) of these, how many are currently stored at bus depots; (c) what is the average age of these buses that are stored at bus depots; and (d) why are these buses not being deployed for bus operations.
Mr S Iswaran: As of May 2022, we have around 5,800 public buses with an average fleet age of eight years. About 3% of them are kept at the depots to serve as an operational reserve.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Lessons Learnt from Compressed Natural Gas Scheme for Vehicles and Plans to Use Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"12 Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the lessons learnt from the compressed natural gas scheme for vehicles in Singapore; (b) whether the Ministry has any future plans for vehicles to use hydrogen fuel cell technology; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider using hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for public transport.
Mr S Iswaran: Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles were introduced in Singapore in 2002. The number of CNG vehicles peaked around 2010, with around 2,700 cars and 2,800 taxis. The experience with CNG vehicles highlighted the importance for technology, markets, infrastructure and regulations to develop in tandem, to provide assurance to consumers and businesses and facilitate adoption.
In our move towards electric vehicles (EVs), we are making important moves in all these areas. With the global automotive industry making a clear shift towards EVs, we are significantly ramping up charging infrastructure nationwide. We will be putting in place legislation to regulate and ensure safe, reliable and accessible EV charging. Public transport vehicles are a key part of the transition. LTA will electrify half of our public bus fleet by 2030 and achieve a 100% cleaner energy public bus fleet by 2040.
While encouraging adoption of electric vehicles, LTA continues to monitor developments in other cleaner energy alternatives that can support our plans for a more sustainable land transport sector. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may have a role in decarbonising vehicle segments that require higher power and mileage. However, hydrogen fuel cell technology and its broader ecosystem will need to mature in areas, such as vehicle efficiency, cost, availability of vehicle models and supporting infrastructure.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Waiving of Cremation Fees for Individuals on Public Assistance Who Passed Away Without Next-of-kin","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"13 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether the Ministry will consider waiving the cremation fees for individuals on public assistance who passed away and have no family members or friends to attend to their matters upon their death.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The cost of cremation in Government-managed crematoria has been kept affordable at $100 since 1997. For deceased individuals on public assistance without next-of-kin, there are sources of financial support from the public, people and private sectors. For example, MSF's Social Service Offices (SSOs) can tap on probono services offered by welfare services to assist Comcare beneficiaries who do not have any financial or family support to pay for funeral services, including cremation fees.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Adequacy of Singapore's Water Supply and Infrastructure and Plans to Build Water Resilience and Security","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"14 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether Singapore's water supply and infrastructure continues to be adequate; and (b) what further plans are there to build water resilience and security, including reducing industrial water consumption and increasing the efficiency of used water treatment.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Singapore has a robust and diversified water supply, due to years of continued planning, research and development, investments in our water infrastructure and technology. We have a diversified “Four National Taps” water supply framework – water from our local catchment, imported water, NEWater and desalinated water. This puts us in a good position to deal with the unpredictable and more extreme weather patterns brought about by climate change.
PUB, our national water agency, takes a long-term approach towards our water supply strategy. PUB regularly reviews its infrastructure plans in consultation with other Government agencies as well as industries. This allows PUB to develop water infrastructure ahead of demand and plan for contingencies.
Water recycling is a key part of our strategy to meet long-term water demands. The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS), a long-term project costing about $10 billion, enables the collection of every drop of used water for large-scale recycling. The overall project, including the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant (TWRP), is scheduled to be completed by 2026. The TWRP will employ advanced treatment technologies to treat domestic used water and bolster our NEWater production, as well as reclaim industrial used water for reuse. PUB will also be expanding our NEWater production capacities with the construction of Changi NEWater Factory 3. We recently opened our fifth desalination plant on Jurong Island in April 2022, further strengthening our water security.
Managing our water demand is just as crucial in ensuring water resilience. PUB has implemented many facilitative and mandatory measures to increase the water efficiency of households and businesses. For businesses, these include the development of Water Efficiency Benchmarks and Best Practice Guides and the mandatory submission of Water Efficiency Management Plan by large water users. Funding and technical support for water conservation projects are also provided to companies through the Water Efficiency Fund and the Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration Fund.
With climate change, Singapore will continue to experience more extreme weather patterns, including prolonged dry spells. Even as the Government continues to invest in our water infrastructure and technology, everyone must do our part to conserve water and make every drop count.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number of Schools Practising Autonomy to Adopt a Later School Start Time","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"15 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Education (a) how many schools currently practise their autonomy to adopt a later school start time, after 7.30 am; and (b) how does the Ministry encourage or facilitate schools to practise their autonomy to adopt a later school start time.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: Currently, all schools start no earlier than 7.30am. Around one out of seven Primary schools, around half of Secondary schools and most Junior Colleges start after 7.30am on at least three days per week.
Schools consider various factors when deciding on their start time. These include student profiles, after-school and inter-school programmes, transport provisions and local transport situation. MOE, thus, gives schools the autonomy to start at either 7.30 am or later.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Greater Pay Incentives for Counsellors Across Schools and Tertiary Institutions","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"16 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will consider giving greater pay incentives to school counsellors across Primary, Secondary and tertiary institutions in order to attract sufficient counsellors of the highest quality and ensure low student-to-counsellor ratios.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: MOE and the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) periodically review salaries of staff to ensure remuneration packages remain competitive. Adjustments are also made, where necessary, to keep pace with the market. MOE is, currently, working with PSD to review salaries of officers on MOE schemes, including Counsellors.
Besides competitive remuneration, Counsellors are provided opportunities for professional development and growth, which are important for staff attraction and retention. MOE supports Counsellors in honing their counselling competencies through courses and regular clinical supervision and consultation sessions with their clinical supervisor.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Success of Soft Launch of FoodConnect Directory and Database","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"17 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in relation to the soft launch of the FoodConnect directory and database (a) how many households are currently signed up to it; (b) how many community groups are currently registered with the database; and (c) how is the success of the initiative to be measured.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Charity Food Workgroup (CFWG) soft launched the FoodConnect Directory and Database in February 2022. The FoodConnect Directory is the first consolidated charity food directory in Singapore and enables social service agencies and families in need to search for food support organisations by location and dietary requirements. This way, families can be better matched to food support that best meets their needs. There are, currently, 25 organisations listed on the Directory, including seven new organisations which were onboarded after the soft launch.
The FoodConnect Database is a system that enables participating food charities, local food coordinators and social service agencies to have a consolidated view of the food support received by households. This enables them to make informed decisions on coordinating or right-siting food support. The Database, currently, contains food support data for around 500 households served by four food support organisations. Another 14 organisations have expressed interest in onboarding the Database.
The FoodConnect systems are the building blocks for a more data-driven and collaborative charity food sector, where beneficiaries can receive the right type and amount of food support, and food support organisations can optimise their resources. As FoodConnect has only been recently launched, we will, over time, track the number of organisations and groups that onboard and utilise these systems so that, on net, there is less duplicative support and food wastage.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Median Income and Employment Rate for Persons with Disabilities over Last 10 Years","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"18 Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the median income for persons with disabilities (PWD) over the last 10 years; (b) what is the employment rate of PWDs over the last 10 years; and (c) what is the progress rate of the Ministry’s programmes that are focused on accessibility of training and employment opportunities for PWDs.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The annual Comprehensive Labour Force Survey started collecting data on the employment outcomes of persons with disabilities in 2018. The average resident employment rate for persons with disabilities aged 15 to 64 rose from 28.2% for the period of 2018 to 2019, to 30.1% for 2020 to 20211. Between the two periods, the nominal median gross monthly income from work (including employer CPF) of full-time employed resident persons with disabilities aged 15 to 64 rose by 4% from $2,630 to $2,735, or 2.7%, after adjusting for inflation.
The Open Door Programme (ODP), administered by SG Enable, encourages employers to hire, train and integrate persons with disabilities into the workplace through grants and employment support services. Under ODP, persons with disabilities receive transitional support into open employment to help them gain independence in the workforce. ODP provides persons with disabilities with support in recruitment, matching to suitable jobs and customised post-placement support from trained job coaches for up to one year. Grants under ODP support the cost of job redesign and courses to prepare employers and their employees to interact, hire, integrate and retain employees with disabilities in their organisation. Between 2014 and 2021, SG Enable and its job placement partners helped to place over 3,500 clients in employment, or about 500 placements per year, on average. Over the same period, about 600 organisations participated in training to learn skills on how to recruit and integrate persons with disabilities at their workplace.
Persons with disabilities can also tap on the ODP Training Grant, which provides training allowance and enhanced course fee subsidies, to attend training courses to develop new and existing skillsets and boost their employability. Between 2014 and 2021, SG Enable and its partners trained more than 2,800 persons with disabilities.
To provide targeted employment support for persons with disabilities amid the pandemic, SG Enable introduced three new programmes under the National Jobs Council – Place-and-Train, Attach-and-Train and Skills Development Programme – to provide customised employment, traineeships and skills upgrading opportunities last year. Close to 300 job and training opportunities have been created for persons with disabilities under these programmes.
SG Enable also launched the Enabling Mark in 2020, the first-of-its-kind national accreditation for disability-inclusive employers, to provide employers with a framework for continual improvement. As of 30 June 2022, 91 organisations have received the accreditation. Beyond recognition, the efforts that get employers accredited with the Enabling Mark lay the groundwork for greater workplace disability inclusion so that persons with disabilities are treated fairly and equitably with career growth opportunities in the future.
The Government also supports employers of persons with disabilities with the Enabling Employment Credit (EEC), which provides them with wage offsets of up to 30% for each Singaporean employee with disabilities earning below $4,000 per month. In 2021, close to 6,400 employers hired more than 9,700 persons with disabilities with support from EEC.
Employers who take in new hires with disabilities may also be eligible for the Jobs Growth Incentive (JGI). Based on latest available data, JGI supported more than 3,400 persons with disabilities between September 2020 and November 2021. JGI has been extended to March 2023.
MSF will continue to work with other public agencies and our community partners to increase the accessibility of training and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":["1 : The Comprehensive Labour Force Survey is conducted annually. The use of two-year moving averages is to smoothen out year-on-year fluctuations due to the relatively small number of persons with disabilities."],"footNoteQuestions":["18"],"questionNo":"18"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Breakdown of Infant Care and Childcare Subsidies Received by Children in Last Three Years by Subsidy Category","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"19 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in each of the last three years, in relation to infant care and child care respectively (a) how many children have received subsidies; (b) what is the percentage of those who have received (i) non-working mother subsidies, (ii) working applicant basic subsidies and (iii) working applicant additional subsidies; and (c) of those receiving additional subsidies, what is the median amount for the additional subsidies for each category.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: All families with Singaporean children enrolled in infant care and childcare programmes receive the Basic Subsidy, with a higher rate given to families with working mothers. The total number of infants and children receiving the Basic Subsidy has grown in tandem with rising enrolment, from around 107,000 in 2019 to around 126,000 in 2021. About 95% are for families with working mothers.
Families with a monthly household income of $12,000 and below, and with a working mother, are also eligible for the means-tested Additional Subsidy. In 2019, around 35% of families with children enrolled in infant care and childcare programmes received the Additional Subsidy. In 2020 and 2021, due to revisions in the qualifying income ceiling from a monthly household income of $7,500 to $12,000, around 60% of such families received the Additional Subsidy.
The Additional Subsidy for full-day infant care is up to $710 per month (median in 2021: $380). The Additional Subsidy for full-day childcare is up to $467per month (median in 2021: $260).
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Steps to Ensure MUIS Halal Certificate Holders Procure from International Suppliers That are Compliant with MUIS' Halal Standards","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"20 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs what are the steps taken by MUIS, independently or together with local agencies or international bodies, to ensure that MUIS halal certificate holders procure from international suppliers that are compliant with MUIS' halal standards.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: MUIS' recognition of Foreign Halal Certification Bodies (FHCB) is based on an assessment of their ability to adopt halal standards that are similar or comparable to the Singapore MUIS Halal Standards (SMHS).
MUIS measures the credibility of FHCB through their standing with reputable regional/ international halal authorities and accreditation bodies, such as the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Gulf Cooperation Council Accreditation Center (GAC).
Earlier this year, MUIS completed a comprehensive review to strengthen the FHCB recognition scheme through enhancements to its policies, processes and governance.
MUIS is committed to maintaining the highest level of halal standards to meet the community's halal consumption needs. MUIS will continue to work closely with its local and international industry partners to develop and maintain a robust ecosystem for a sustainable halal food supply that complies with SMHS.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Second COVID-19 Booster Shot for Eligible Persons and Recent COVID-19 Cases","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"21 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether personal reminders will be sent to those eligible for their second COVID-19 booster shot; and (b) for those who have contracted COVID-19 recently, what is the advisory with regard to them getting their second booster shot.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: This question has been addressed by the oral reply to Question Nos 2 and 3 on the Order Paper for 5 July 2022.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Justification for Provision of Allowance for Cases under Quarantine Order but Not for Isolation Order","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"22 Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Health what is the justification for an allowance to be provided under a Quarantine Order (QO), but not under an Isolation Order (IO), which requires comparable stoppage of work.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Quarantine Orders are issued to a close contact of a COVID-19-positive person to ringfence the spread of the disease. So, the quarantined person is well, able to work but not allowed to. The Quarantine Order Allowance Scheme was introduced to encourage the adherence to the quarantine and to cushion the impact on self-employed persons and companies.
Isolation Orders are issued to a COVID-19-positive person who is infectious and is not expected to move around. There is no allowance allocated to such a person, as in all other illnesses.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Higher MediSave Withdrawal Limit for Outpatient Care Treatment for Patients with Complex Chronic Conditions","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"23 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Health given the increasing cost of living and other expenses, whether the Ministry will consider raising the MediSave withdrawal limit for outpatient care treatment for the period of one calendar year, especially for patients with complex chronic conditions.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The current MediSave withdrawal limits are adequate for the vast majority of patients with conditions under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP). In 2021, about nine in 10 patients with complex chronic conditions who withdrew MediSave under CDMP did not reach the annual $700 limit. Similarly, about nine in 10 patients with simple chronic conditions did not reach the annual $500 limit. Nevertheless, patients who face difficulties paying for their medical bills may apply for financial assistance, such as MediFund, at public healthcare institutions.
MOH will continue to review our financing schemes regularly, taking into account any rise in healthcare costs, so that healthcare remains affordable for Singaporeans.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Plans to Involve Chinese Medicine Practitioners in Basic Healthcare System under Healthier SG Initiative","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"24 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry has plans to involve traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in the basic healthcare system under the Healthier SG initiative, particularly for the management of chronic diseases for the elderly.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Healthier SG is a complex and multi-year national programme. In the initial phase of implementation, eligible residents will be invited to enrol with a primary care clinic of their choice and to develop a long-term supportive relationship with their local family physician to support better care and, especially, in managing chronic illnesses.
MOH recognises that Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (TCMPs) have been playing an important role in our communities to guide residents to better health. TCM methods are often holistic, long-term and complement western medicine. MOH will continue to engage TCMPs to hear their views and discuss with them how TCMPs can be part of the community involved in Healthier SG.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Waiting Times for HDB BTO Projects Over Last 10 Years By Percentile","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"25 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development with regard to HDB BTO projects launched in the last 10 years, what is the 25th percentile, median, average and 75th percentile of waiting times over the last 10 years based on the actual wait times for completed projects and the estimated wait times for projects that are still under construction.
Mr Desmond Lee: There are various factors that affect the construction time of each BTO project, including site conditions and the height of the buildings. Projects with difficult site conditions or with very high storey-heights will require more construction time.
For HDB BTO projects launched in the last 10 years (2012 to 2021), the 25th percentile, median, average and 75th percentile of actual waiting times for completed projects are shown in Table 1 below.
The median estimated waiting time for HDB BTO projects that are still under construction is about 4.3 years. Besides the significant delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions over the last two years caused by both the pandemic and current geopolitical uncertainties, the longer median waiting time now can also be partly attributed to more high-rise HDB developments. In the past two years, HDB has been working hard to intensify housing yield to meet the strong housing demand. For example, 13% of BTO blocks launched in 2020 and 2021 are more than 30 storeys tall, as compared to just 3% of BTO blocks launched in the preceding five years.
With the improving COVID-19 situation and a more positive outlook in the construction industry, construction projects are, gradually, regaining momentum. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect things to get better going forward. HDB will continue to work hard to minimise delays and deliver new BTO flats to buyers as soon as possible, while ensuring that the safety and quality of our projects are not compromised.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Steps Taken to Professionalise Blue-collar Trades in Construction Industry for Singaporeans","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"26 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he can give an assessment of the steps taken by the Government to professionalise blue-collar trades in the construction industry for Singaporeans to ensure that there is a core number of Singaporeans in these trades who are adequately skilled, highly productive and earn meaningful wages; and (b) what further steps have been identified to attract Singaporeans to take up these trades.
Mr Desmond Lee: Currently, the majority (about 60%) of locals employed in the construction industry take on Professional, Manager, Executive and Technician (PMET) roles rather than blue-collar jobs, for example, craftsmen, assemblers, labourers, which are predominantly taken up by migrant workers. Under the Construction Industry Transformation Map (ITM), the Government aims to leverage technology to make construction firms more productive and reduce their reliance on migrant workers. At the same time, this will create more higher-skilled and higher value-added jobs that we aim to attract Singaporeans to take up.
For instance, the increased adoption of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) will shift the production of building components to automated off-site facilities. This will create new jobs, such as production managers and quality assurance personnel, that could attract more Singaporeans.
On-site, contractors require highly-skilled crane operators to hoist DfMA components and manoeuvre them into place with precision. This is an example of a high demand, high value-added job with competitive wages that has the potential to attract more locals. We will consider how to build on existing programmes, such as the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Work-study Diploma for students and Career Conversion Programmes (CCPs) for mid-career entrants, to upskill and attract more Singaporeans to take on such jobs.
In addition, BCA has embarked on a Jobs Transformation Map (JTM) study for the Built Environment sector to take a targeted approach to grow in-demand jobs. The JTM will examine the combined effects of COVID-19 and industry transformation and chart out interventions for specific roles. This could include redesigning or professionalising certain jobs. We aim to conclude JTM in the second half of this year and will work with our Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), trade associations and chambers (TACs) and firms to implement the recommendations.
The Government will continue to work with TACs to transform the industry, identify more good jobs with high localisation potential and attract more Singaporeans to join the construction industry.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"HDB Selling Price for Coffee Shop Located at Blk 201 Tampines Street 21","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"27 Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for National Development regarding the coffee shop located at Block 201 Tampines Street 21 that recently transacted at $41.68 million (a) in which year did HDB sell the coffee shop; and (b) at what price did HDB sell it for.
Mr Desmond Lee: This coffee shop was sold to the sitting tenant in October 1992, at $3,451,200. This unit has not been sold since then, and this will be its first resale transaction.
The coffee shop is located in Tampines Neighbourhood 2 Neighbourhood Centre, comprising Blocks 201 to 201G Tampines Street 21. This Neighbourhood Centre has a total of four sold coffee shops and there is another rental coffee shop located across the road at Block 264. There is a sufficient supply of coffee shops in the vicinity to maintain healthy competition and nearby alternative options for stallholders and customers.
HDB will continue to ensure a good supply of coffee shops to create competition and help keep food prices affordable. For example, 34 coffee shops have been completed in the past four years and another 30 will be completing by 2025.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Introducing Rent Control Legislation for Renting of Eating Houses in Mature Estates","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"28 Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development as a consequence of HDB's decision to rent out new eating houses instead of selling them, whether the Government will introduce rent control legislation for the benefit of stallholders in eating houses at mature estates that continue to be the subject of sale transactions.
Mr Desmond Lee: There are, presently, over 770 HDB coffee shops in Singapore. Some of these coffee shops are sold and are, hence, privately-owned, while the rest are rented out by HDB.
We are mindful of the need to ensure that residents have access to affordable cooked food options and of the potential impact of resale transactions and have, therefore, put in place various measures over the years. One key measure is to ensure a good supply of coffee shops in every HDB estate and town, so that there is healthy competition. These coffee shops can also be run by social enterprises, for example, NTUC Foodfare, to help keep food prices low.
The market for F&B is highly competitive, especially in our heartlands. For example, the two coffee shops in Tampines and Yishun are within neighbourhood centres that have five and seven coffee shops respectively within a 400-metre radius and residents, hence, have a choice of affordable food options there.
HDB completed 34 new coffee shops in the last four years and continues to build new ones to serve new HDB developments. Another 30 coffee shops will be completed in the next four years. Aside from coffee shops, we also have over a hundred hawker centres in Singapore and the Government is building more. Four new centres will begin operations this year, with another seven being planned or under construction.
Since 1998, HDB no longer sells coffee shops and only rents them out. In addition, HDB has introduced new measures to ensure quality and affordability of food in these coffee shops that are rented out. In 2018, HDB introduced Price-Quality tenders, with 50% of points assigned to the Quality of the operator, which includes aspects, such as the availability of budget meals, good track record and community initiatives. Operators who successfully tender for HDB coffee shops, typically, provide budget food options at every stall, with these priced at around $3. The rentals under Price-Quality tenders are also lower and more sustainable than under pure price bidding tenders.
We note the suggestion from the Member on possible rent control measures. We will need to guard against unintended impacts. For example, by controlling rent, we could end up reducing the incentive for coffee shop owners to invest in improving their coffee shops to provide better services and facilities to customers.
Coffee shops and food centres play an important social role in our HDB towns and estates, as they not only provide a convenient option for cooked food and drinks for residents, but also serve as key community hubs for families and friends to bond and connect over food and drinks.
As such, HDB regularly monitors the resale market for HDB coffee shops, as well as the prices of food sold in both sold and rental coffee shops and will not hesitate to review its policies to address affordability concerns where necessary.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Plans to Ensure Affordability of HDB BTO and Resale Flats","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"29 Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the 10-year trend of median household income per capita for families staying in a 4-room HDB flat as compared to (i) the median price of a 4-room HDB BTO flat and (ii) the median price of a resale HDB flat; and (b) whether the Ministry has considered any long-term plans to ensure affordability of both HDB BTO and HDB resale flats.
Mr Desmond Lee: All flat buyers enjoy a housing subsidy when they buy a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat from HDB, as HDB applies a significant subsidy to the assessed market value of the flat and prices the flat below the market. In addition, eligible first-timer flat buyers can also enjoy the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) of up to $80,000, which provides further support to lower- and middle-income families buying their first home. On the other hand, HDB resale flats are transacted at prices mutually agreed upon by flat sellers and buyers. Eligible first-timers buying resale flats can receive up to $160,000 in housing grants. This comprises the CPF Housing Grant of up to $50,000, EHG of up to $80,000, and Proximity Housing Grant of up to $30,000.
Between 2012 and 2021, the median selling prices of 4-room BTO flats in the non-mature estates bought by first-timer Singaporean families before grants increased by 10%, or by 1.4% after grants, while the flat buyers' incomes grew by 27%. Over the same period, the prices of 4-room resale HDB flats in the non-mature estates bought by first-timer Singaporean families before grants increased about 9%, or decreased by 1.3% after grants, while their median household incomes rose by 48%. Both HDB new and resale flats have thus remained affordable as incomes have kept pace with flat prices. HDB also increased housing grants several times over the same period, which has helped to keep flats even more affordable.
Most first-timers buying new and resale flats in non-mature estates in 2021 only need to use less than a quarter of their monthly income to pay for their loan instalments. This is well below the international benchmark of 30% to 35%. In fact, most of them can service their housing loans using their monthly CPF contributions, with little or no cash outlay.
To meet the strong demand for public housing, we will ramp up the supply of BTO flats and launch up to 23,000 flats per year in 2022 and 2023, an increase of 35% from the 17,000 flats launched in 2021. We are prepared to launch up to 100,000 flats in total from 2021 to 2025, if needed, subject to prevailing demand. MND/HDB will continue to monitor the housing market closely, taking into account long-term demographic and population trends, to ensure that the supply of public housing remains affordable, accessible and responsive to the housing needs of the population.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Considerations Determining Changes to Monthly Household Income Ceiling for Purchasing HDB Flats and Executive Condominiums","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"30 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development what are the quantitative and qualitative considerations in determining changes to the monthly household income ceiling for purchasing HDB flats and Executive Condominiums, particularly as they relate to (i) incomes and (ii) prevailing housing prices, if applicable.
Mr Desmond Lee: The income ceilings for the purchase of subsidised HDB flats and Executive Condominiums (ECs) are reviewed regularly to ensure that public housing remains within reach of the majority of citizen households and that housing subsidies are given to those who need them most. Factors that are considered include the household incomes of Singaporeans and prevailing housing market conditions, among others. We are also mindful that lower income households could be crowded out by an adjustment to the income ceilings.
In 2019, due to rising incomes, we raised the income ceiling from $12,000 to $14,000 for families buying a new flat, and from $14,000 to $16,000 for families buying an EC from property developers. At the same time, we introduced the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) to better support lower- to middle-income families buying their first homes.
At the current income ceiling of $14,000, about eight in 10 Singaporeans may buy a subsidised flat. There is no income restriction for the purchase of a non-Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) resale HDB flat on the open market.
HDB is committed to helping Singaporeans, particularly first-timers and lower- to middle-income families, to own a home. The Government will continue to monitor housing market conditions closely to ensure that public housing remains affordable and accessible.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Applicants on Waitlist for HDB Rental Flats who are Divorced Males Broken Down by Age Group","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"31 Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development (a) how many people are currently on the waitlist of approved applicants for HDB rental flats; (b) what percentage of these approved applicants are divorced males; and (c) what is the breakdown of this percentage by age group.
Mr Desmond Lee: As at May 2022, there were about 1,700 approved applicants awaiting allocation of a rental flat, of which 350 (21%) were male divorcees. Amongst the male divorcees, 3% were aged below 35, 53% were aged 35 to 59, and 44% were aged 60 and above. Divorcees include those with care and control of a child who can apply together as a family nucleus, and those without care and control of a child, who are treated as singles.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Criteria for Development Works to Require Heritage Impact Assessment and Status of Bukit Brown Cemetery","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"32 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the criteria for development works to require a heritage impact assessment (HIA); (b) whether the Bukit Brown Cemetery will qualify under the criteria; (c) whether one of the criteria will include a reasonable number of not-for-profit organisations or members of the public deeming the site to be of heritage value; (d) for sites where an HIA is deemed unnecessary by URA and NHB, whether the Government will commit to publishing findings from heritage studies that have been conducted.
Mr Desmond Lee: We have a systematic approach to incorporate heritage considerations in our planning and development process. Every development proposal is subject to a robust planning evaluation process that considers its impact on traffic, public health, environment and built heritage. URA and NHB regularly engage and collaborate with expert panels, such as the Heritage and Identity Partnership (HIP) and Heritage Advisory Panel (HAP), as well as the community, upstream in the planning process to integrate heritage buildings and structures sensitively into our modern cityscape.
To complement this approach, we introduced a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) framework in March 2022. Under this framework, public projects likely to cause major impact to significant heritage sites will be assessed to ascertain the need for heritage studies or other mitigating measures. The scale and scope of such studies will be dependent on the site contexts and design proposals.
HIAs, the most extensive type of studies, are likely to be necessary only for larger-scale public development projects in areas of rich, complex, heritage significance. For other projects that have smaller heritage impact and are assessed to not require a full HIA, URA and NHB will work with developing agencies to study the proposals on a case-by-case basis, including meaningful ways to recall the heritage and identity of the sites.
Under Master Plan 2019, part of the Bukit Brown area is zoned for residential use. The existing cemetery areas will be kept for as long as possible and these will only be reviewed in the longer term when the need arises.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Plans to Make SportSG a World-class Venue for Sporting Events Which is Accessible to the Community","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"33 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what is the direction for the Singapore Sports Hub under SportSG; and (b) how does SportSG intend to continue to make it a world-class venue for sporting events while also making it accessible to the community.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: This question will be addressed in the Ministerial Statement delivered by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong at a Sitting in August 2022, as he is still COVID-19-positive this afternoon. [Please refer to “Unlocking the Sports Hub's Full Potential For Singapore”, Official Report, 1 August 2022, Vol 95, Issue No 65, Ministerial Statement section.]
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Number of PMET Jobs Done by Work Permit Holders in Each of Past Five Years","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"34 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Manpower in each of the past five years, how many PMET jobs are done by Work Permit holders.
Dr Tan See Leng: The table below provides the number and share of PMET1 jobs accounted for by Work Permit Holders over the past five years.
Work Permit holders account for a very small minority of PMET jobs. In addition, Work Permit holders are subject to quotas and levies to regulate their numbers, which vary by sector. Work Permit holders are also required to go for six-monthly medical examinations and face marriage and pregnancy restrictions. Their employers are also required to meet additional conditions, including source restrictions and security bond requirements.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":["1 : Refers to Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians (PMETs), based on SSOC Major Groups 1 – 3."],"footNoteQuestions":["34"],"questionNo":"34"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Breakdown of Gross Monthly Salary of S Pass Holders","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"35 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Manpower what are the current respective numbers of S Pass holders who earn a gross monthly salary of (i) less than $1,500, (ii) $1,500 to less than $2,000, (iii) $2,000 to less than $2,500, (iv) $2,500 to less than $3,000, (v) $3,000 to less than $4,000, (vi) $4,000 to $5,000 and (vii) more than $5,000.
Dr Tan See Leng: The minimum qualifying salary for S Pass holders is regularly updated to keep pace with local wage growth, so as to ensure a level playing field for our locals. It was raised to $2,500 in October 2020 and will be raised to $3,000 from September 2022, with further updates in September 2023 and September 2025. Older candidates will continue to be required to have a higher salary to qualify for an S Pass. Existing S Pass holders who have come in under a lower qualifying salary earlier would need to meet the prevailing qualifying salary in order for their S Pass to be renewed.
As of December 2021, there are 161,800 S Pass holders. The median monthly salary1 of S Pass holders is $3,100. Nearly all S Pass holders earn a monthly salary of $2,500 or more.
Other than the qualifying salary requirement, S Pass holders are also subjected to levies and quotas, which vary by sector.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":["1 : This refers to the fixed monthly salary, which comprises the basic monthly salary and fixed monthly allowances, that is, monthly allowances that do not vary from month to month. MOM collects and uses the fixed monthly salary to determine if a work pass applicant meets the qualifying salary requirement."],"footNoteQuestions":["35"],"questionNo":"35"},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Awareness of Workers' Rights under Singapore Employment Laws","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WA","content":"36 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Manpower with reference to the study conducted by the NUS Social Service Research Centre that found a generally low awareness of workers' rights under Singapore employment laws (a) whether the Government has conducted a similar study; and (b) if so, what are the Government’s findings; and (c) whether the Government is considering other more effective ways, in addition to awareness campaigns, to ensure that workers' rights under Singapore employment laws are adequately safeguarded.
Dr Tan See Leng: MOM’s programmes to safeguard and uplift employment standards are targeted at both employers and employees and comprise education and enforcement to ensure compliance with employment laws. Our key programme in this area is the Workright initiative launched in 2012 by MOM and the CPF Board.
To ensure employees’ awareness of their rights, the Workright initiative engages both employers and employees through numerous media channels, roadshows in the heartlands and published resources, such as the Guide on Employment Laws and Employer’s Toolkit in different languages.
MOM has been regularly tracking the effectiveness of employee education through post-Workright campaign surveys. In recent years, we have found that awareness of basic employment rights, such as monthly salary payment, monthly overtime limit, overtime pay rate and rest day, has been high, at over 70% among lower-wage workers aged 18 and above. Since the beginning of this year, we have also started collaborations with ITEs and Polytechnics to reach new workforce entrants.
To complement the broad-based education of employers and employees, MOM also conducts around 5,000 Workright inspections yearly to check on compliance with the employment laws. These inspections of workplaces not only helped employees receive their due entitlements but also raised their awareness of employment rights. Employers found to have lapses will be referred to Employment Act training courses while stronger enforcement actions are taken against errant employers to deter future breaches.
While findings from the dipstick survey conducted by the NUS team may not be indicative of a larger problem at the workplaces, we would, nonetheless, take those findings into account in augmenting our own survey of employees’ awareness of their employment rights as well as the relevant outreach programmes. We will do this in collaboration with our tripartite partners, NTUC and SNEF, as well as other organisations with similar goals.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Clarification by Minister for Defence","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WS","content":"[(proc text) The following statements were in the reply given by the Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen) to Parliamentary Questions on the \"National Dialogue and Review of Policy Regarding National Athletes Serving National Service\" at the Sitting of 5 July 2022: (proc text)]
The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Long-term deferments from full-time NS, such as those mentioned by Members, are exceptional, only for those who have potential to win medals at top-tier international competitions like the Olympic Games. And on this basis, swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen were granted eight years' and five years' deferment respectively for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. [Please refer to “National Dialogue and Review of Policy Regarding National Athletes Serving National Service”, Official Report, 5 July 2022, Vol 95, Issue No 64, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
[(proc text) Written statement by Dr Ng Eng Hen circulated with leave of the Speaker in accordance with Standing Order No 29(5): (proc text)]
I wish to make the following factual correction to the reply given to Parliamentary Questions on the National Dialogue and Review of Policy Regarding National Athletes Serving National Service at the Sitting of 5 July 2022. My reply should read as follows:
The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Long-term deferments from full-time NS, such as those mentioned by Members, are exceptional, only for those who have potential to win medals at top-tier international competitions like the Olympic Games. And on this basis, swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen were granted seven years' and six years' deferment respectively for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null},{"startPgNo":0,"endPgNo":0,"title":"Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Finance","subTitle":null,"sectionType":"WS","content":"[(proc text) The following statement was in the response speech given by the Senior Minister of State for Finance (Mr Chee Hong Tat) during the Second Reading of the Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill at the Sitting of 5 July 2022: (proc text)]
The Senior Minister of State for Finance (Mr Chee Hong Tat) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance): I am glad that all the Members who have spoken agree with the proposed changes. This will allow us to move forward to apply the new changes with effect from 9 May in the manner which I described earlier. [Please refer to “Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill”, Official Report, 5 July 2022, Vol 95, Issue No 64, Second Reading Bill section.]
[(proc text) Written statement by Mr Chee Hong Tat circulated with leave of the Speaker in accordance with Standing Order No 29(5): (proc text)]
I wish to make the following factual correction to the reply given during the Second Reading of the Stamp Duties (Amendment) Bill at the Sitting of 5 July 2022. My reply should read as follows:
The Senior Minister of State for Finance (Mr Chee Hong Tat) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance): I am glad that all the Members who have spoken agree with the proposed changes. This will allow us to move forward to apply the new changes with effect from 10 May in the manner which I described earlier.
","clarificationText":null,"clarificationTitle":null,"clarificationSubTitle":null,"reportType":null,"questionCount":null,"footNotes":null,"footNoteQuestions":null,"questionNo":null}],"writtenAnswersVOList":[],"writtenAnsNAVOList":[],"annexureList":[],"vernacularList":[{"vernacularID":5061,"sittingDate":null,"vernacularTitle":"Vernacular Speech by Mr Leong Mun Wai","filePath":"d:/apps/reports/solr_files/20220705/vernacular-Leong Mun Wai Stamp Duty 5July2022-Chinese.pdf","fileName":"Leong Mun Wai Stamp Duty 5July2022-Chinese.pdf"},{"vernacularID":5062,"sittingDate":null,"vernacularTitle":"Vernacular Speech by Mr Don Wee","filePath":"d:/apps/reports/solr_files/20220705/vernacular-Don Wee Stamp duty 5July 2022-Chinese.pdf","fileName":"Don Wee Stamp duty 5July 2022-Chinese.pdf"}],"onlinePDFFileName":""}