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ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS - DRUG ABUSE AND TRAFFICKING asked the Minister for Home Affairs what is the status of the problem of drug abuse and trafficking in Singapore, and what new or improved programmes are being made or planned to battle this menace. The Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs (Prof. S. Jayakumar) (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the drug situation in Singapore, which reached epidemic proportions in 1976, is now contained as a result of six years of relentless effort in pursuing the Supply and Demand Reduction Strategies of Operation Ferret launched on 1st April 1977. We have succeeded in reducing our addict population by half and have broken up the internal illicit drug distribution sys- tem in Singapore. The large trafficking syndicate which used to operate in Singapore has been eradicated. Heroin, the main drug consumed by our addicts, continued to be scarce in 1982. This was due to our enforcement action. Consequently, its street price remained high. The year saw a slight decrease in the number of drug offenders arrested, compared to 1981. A total of 4,106 offenders, including drug traffickers, was arrested in 1982 as against 4,590 in 1981, a decrease of 484 (or 10.5%). The number of newcomers showed a fairly constant figure, numbering 677 in 1982 as against 787 in 1981. 1982 also saw a slight decrease in the number of drug traffickers arrested - 450 as against 486 in 1981. Of the 450 traffickers arrested in 1982, 399 (or 88.7%) were "ant traffickers" who now dominate the trafficking scene. These are traffickers who smuggle in small quantities of drugs across the Causeway into Singapore. They are mainly addicts themselves who push drugs to sustain their own addiction. Although the drug situation is contained, it is by no means over. We are in close proximity to one of the biggest drug-producing areas in the world, The Golden Triangle, and there is free movement of people and goods through Singapore, If we relax in our vigilance, a situation similar to pre-April 1977 period can re-emerge. A number of measures have been taken to combat the problem. The entry points have been strengthened. In particular, Central Narcotics Bureau has set up a Task Force at the Woodlands Checkpoint to complement Customs' efforts in detecting the illicit smuggling of drugs. Another measure taken is to deny passport facilities to drug traffickers. This will prevent them from resuming their nefarious activities across international boundaries. I should add that this measure has been accepted for implementation by our other ASEAN partners as well. Within Singapore, the CNB is using more sophisticated techniques to gather information about traffickers and to identify them. Preventive education is being carried out by SANA through talks, exhibitions and forums. The Ministry of Educa- tion, in collaboration with the CNB, is introducing preventive drug education into the school curriculum. To drive home the message further, we are now in the midst of a 6-month National Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign.
COMMERCIAL CRIME DIVISION - (Upgrading and improvement) asked the Minister for Home Affairs, in view of the increase in commercial crime, what steps are being taken to upgrade and improve the Commercial Crime Division.
COMMERCIAL CRIME DIVISION - (Upgrading and improvement) Mr Speaker, Sir, commercial crime in Singapore is on the rise. Last year alone, some 2,181 commercial crime cases were reported, This is an increase of 23.5% over that for 1981 during which 1,767 cases were recorded. This increase in commercial crime is expected to continue in the years ahead. Such crimes are also expected to become more complex. Officers involved in investigation of commercial crime have been sent for training both locally at the Police Academy as well as overseas to upgrade their skills. The overseas courses include the Computer Crime Investigation Course at the FBI Academy and the Commercial Crime Courses at the Australian Police College. Attachments of Commercial Crime officers to the British and Australian police fraud squads have also been arranged on a regular basis. Courses on Commercial Crime investigations are being held regularly in the Police Academy. The courses are attended by officers from the Commercial Crime Division as well as the investigating officers from the eight Police Land Divisions. Realizing the importance of upgrading the Commercial Crime Division to cope with the complexities and the rising number of commercial crimes, my Ministry has invited a British Team to make a study. The team comprises two experienced police officers of the New Scotland Yard Fraud Department and a white-collar crime investigator from the British Department of Trade and Industry. This team has now arrived in Singapore to review the organization, functions and responsibilities of the Division. The team will make recommendations for the improvement of commercial crime investigations to face the challenges ahead. It will also review the training of investigating officers and the legislations pertaining to commercial crime. The assignment will be completed by the end of March 1983.
PAN-ISLAND EXPRESSWAY - (Accidents) asked the Minister for Home Affairs how many accidents have occurred along the Pan-island Expressway since its inception.
PAN-ISLAND EXPRESSWAY - (Accidents) Mr Speaker, Sir, stretches of the central portion of the Pan-island Expressway (PIE) such as Jalan Toa Payoh, Jalan Kolam Ayer and the stretch between Adam Road and Jalan Anak Bukit have been in use for a long time. These stretches were eventually widened and progressively linked to form the central portion of the PIE. Accident statistics began to be collected in 1979 after the central portion of the PIE was officially opened. Since 1971, a total of 344 accidents have occurred on the PIE. The stretch of the East Coast Parkway (ECP) from Tanjong Rhu to Bedok South has also been in existence for sometime.It was named the ECP only after the stretch from Bedok South to the Airport was opened in 1978. Since then, a total of 476 accidents have occurred along the ECP. Since their inceptions, the number of accidents on the expressways has increased correspondingly with the increase of traffic using the expressways. The number of accidents on both the PIE and the ECP rose from 84 in 1980 to 269 in 1981. This sudden upsurge of accidents coincided with the opening of the Changi International Airport on 1st July 1981 which greatly increased the traffic on both expressways. Another factor contributing to accidents on the expressways was the lack of understanding by motor- ists on the proper use of the expressways. The Traffic Police is aware of the problem and appropriate measures such as publicity to educate road users, enforcement action and the setting up of a proposed Expressway Unit have been taken.
PAN-ISLAND EXPRESSWAY - (Accidents) In view of the increasing number of accidents involving motor cyclists, could the Hon. Minister of State consider introducing measures to prohibit motor cyclists from riding along the middle and outer lanes of expressways and major roads?
PAN-ISLAND EXPRESSWAY - (Accidents) Mr Speaker, Sir, the suggestion made by the Member for Toa Payoh is noted, and I will discuss it with the Traffic enforcement officers.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) asked the Minister for National Development for the reasons behind the refusal of the Housing and Development Board to entertain letters from a Member of Parliament on behalf of persons who may not be resident in the constituency represented by the said Member of Parliament but who had approached that Member to make representations on their behalf.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Mr Speaker, Sir, it is the HDB's rule that any constituent who wishes to appeal through a Member of Parliament should do so through the MP of his constituency. On receipt of the representation made by the appropriate Member of Parliament, the HDB will look into the matter and give a reply to the MP to enable him to explain the issue to his constituent. If this procedure is not adopted, a situation may arise where a person will go from one MP to another requesting similar representations to be made on his behalf. The answer which the HDB gives will invariably be the same on each occasion. Appealing through a number of MPs therefore does not help the appellant. On the other hand, the numerous representations made on the same subject not only lead to confusion but also generate unnecessary work for HDB staff. The time and effort spent by HDB staff in dealing with repetitive representations could be more productively utilized to serve other HDB residents.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Mr Speaker, Sir, as I understand the Minister, the refusal is to prevent any constituent, after having applied through his own MP, moving on to another constituency. I can well understand that. But what about the case where the man does not go to his own MP but goes to some other MP and that MP makes representation, for the first time, on behalf of this man? What is the objection to that? That is one question. May I ask all my questions now, Sir?
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Yes.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Secondly, I would like to know when was this practice brought into effect. Thirdly, was it because of a directive from the Minister, or was it taken upon by the HDB themselves?
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Mr Speaker, Sir, this rule of the constituent seeing only his own MP was implemented in 1973 and not just recently. It was not because of the Anson by-election when we have an opposition Member that we adopted this policy. This policy was adopted in 1973. As for the other question, I have already given the answer. The disadvantage of constituents going from MP to MP is that it will create a lot of unnecessary work. To answer the Member's question, if instead of going to his own MP, the person sees other MPs, they may not know what it is all about concerning that person. We expect the constituent to go to his own MP first.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Mr Speaker, Sir, with respect, I do not think the Hon. Minister has answered my first question. Why is the Minister assuming that the MP to whom the man goes will not know all about his history? It is for the man to tell the MP all about his history. What if the man does not want to go to his own MP but he nevertheless wants a representation to be made on his behalf? What is so very wrong about it?
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Sir, I think the Member of Parliament has been elected to serve his constituents and if the Member of Parliament is not prepared to serve a particular constituent, then it becomes a separate case. But if a person, say, from another constituency, goes to see the hon. Member for Anson, I think the Member for Anson will ask for the reason why he does not see his own MP. This is the first question he will ask. And if he gives a rational explanation as to why he does not see his own MP, then if the rational explanation is given to the Housing Board, then I think the Housing Board will consider his case.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Mr Speaker, Sir, I do not know whether the Minister should answer this, but is there a ruling that MPs only represent constituents in their own constituencies? Who has made this ruling?
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not talking about this ruling. What I am talking about is the HDB, the matters presented to the HDB. The hon. Member has asked the question: "Why does the HDB deal with matters concerning a constituent only if they are raised through his own MP?" We are dealing with this aspect, not the whole issue. Most probably the hon. Member wants to bring in constitutional issues and so on. I am only talking about the HDB. This is the ruling which the Ministry of National Development gave to the HDB in 1973 - that the HDB will only deal with cases which are brought to HDB's attention by the MP representing the constituency in which the appellant lives.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) There is no ruling?
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD - (Refusal to entertain MP's representations on behalf of other constituents) It is the Ministry's ruling.
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES - (Advertisements in Mass Media) asked the Minister of Defence and Second Minister for Health what is the rationale of the extensive advertisements on the Singapore Armed Forces in the mass media and is he satisfied with the results.
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES - (Advertisements in Mass Media) Mr Speaker, Sir, the advertisements which have appeared in the mass media on the SAF are broadly of two kinds, namely, recruitment advertisements, and messages on national defence and security. In the first case of recruitment advertisements, the SAF has, as a matter of fact, utilized such advertisements for more than a decade. So they are not new. What is new is probably the better layout and the impact that the recent series have. So far, the campaign has achieved its objectives in terms of generating increased interest in careers in the Armed Forces. In addition to meeting our recruitment targets, this has enabled the SAF to select from a wider pool of better qualified candidates. In addition to the recruitment advertisements, beginning 1st January 1983, MINDEF has been placing in newspapers a series of messages on national security and defence. I have elaborated at some length in this House last week on the importance of educating our entire population on the important role of defence. Our surveys indicate that Singaporeans are now becoming more aware of this. The advertisements form part of an on-going educational programme.
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES - (Advertisements in Mass Media) Sir, with the opening of the SAF Career Centre, does the Hon. Minister of State not think that it is a waste of public money to have separate advertisements by the three Services, instead of having just one adverisement by the Career Centre? Secondly, if the Hon. Minister feels that the separate advertisements should continue, does he not think that the advertisements should spell out more clearly the requirements for the applicants aside from just academic qualifications?
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES - (Advertisements in Mass Media) Mr Speaker, Sir, I am not an advertising man and I do not believe the Member for Serangoon Gardens is either. We have engaged a number of consultants to advise us on the best way of getting the message across and of reaching the target groups that we have in mind. Their advice to us is that doing it the way we have done so far represents our best investment. Sir, getting good people into the Armed Forces is probably one of the most important tasks for the SAF to do. All the sophisticated equipment, weaponry and other heavy plants that we have would be of little use to us unless we have people who know how to operate them optimally. It is, therefore, in our considered opinion not a waste of money at all. We are basically trying to target our messages to the people whom we wish to attract. On the second question whether we should spell out more details, again that is another point that has been debated by our people in the Personnel Department in consultation with our experts, and I believe that this advertisement as it is, is adequate to put the message across. We do not believe that inundating a lot of information on to a piece of advertisement would get the message across. It would probably not be read at all.
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES - (Advertisements in Mass Media) Sir, since this appears to be the best thing since sliced bread, why was it not thought about earlier?.
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES - (Advertisements in Mass Media) Sir, can I ask the Member for Telok Blangah to repeat his question?.
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES - (Advertisements in Mass Media) Sir, it appears that we now need to educate the public and that this is the best way that we are doing or going about it. Why was it not thought about earlier?
SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES - (Advertisements in Mass Media) Sir, I have mentioned in my reply earlier that advertisements have been put in the mass media by the SAF for more than a decade. This is not a new thing.
CAPITAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME - (Particulars) asked the Minister for Trade and Industry, since the implementation of the Capital Assistance Scheme, (i) how much has been loaned to companies so far; (ii) how many companies, especially local companies, have benefitted from this scheme; and (iii) what measures the Economic Development Board has to assist local Industries to invest in or develop into capital intensive and high technology industries.
CAPITAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME - (Particulars) Mr Speaker, Sir, under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) established in 1975, concessionary loans and/or equity capital are granted to industrial projects with high technological and skill content and to supporting industries critical to Singapore's industrial development. As at January 1983, a total of $157.6 million had been committed to 17 companies under the Scheme. Of these companies, one is local, three are joint ventures between local and foreign investors and the rest are foreign. Capital assistance is also extended solely to local industries through the Small Industries Finance Scheme (SIFS) established in 1976. Under the SIFS, funds are provided to participating banks at long-term fixed interest rate for onward lending to small and medium-sized local manufacturing or technical service companies to help them to modernize and expand. As at 31st January, 1983, a total of $235 million in loans had been granted to 626 companies under the Scheme. Apart from the CAS and SIFS, EDB's general package of tax incentives is also available to local companies to help them invest in or develop into capital intensive or high technology industries. As at 31st January, 1983, 43% of pioneer certificates and 68% of investment allowance certificates had been granted to wholly local and joint venture industries. In all, these projects have been granted 44% of the total tax incentives allocated to all industries. In addition, the Product Development Assistance Scheme (PDAS), set up in 1978, was designed specifically to stimulate the growth of local applied research and product development. As at 31st January 1983, PDAS grants totalling $1.41 million had been awarded to 15 firms engaged in approved in-house product development work. Many local companies have found the lack of technical knowhow a serious handi- cap in their effort to upgrade to higher technology activities. To help these companies, the Small Industries Technical Assistance Scheme (SITAS) was recently established to assist them to enlist the help of technical consultants. 90% of the approved cost of engaging such consultants is eligible for reimbursement under this Scheme. Since the Scheme was announced in October 1982, six applications have been received, of which three have been approved while the remaining three are being evaluated.
TOURIST ARRIVALS - (Measures to arrest declining rate) asked the Minister for Trade and Industry what are the reasons for the declining rate of tourist arrivals in Singapore; what is the impact on our industries especially the hotel industry of this declining rate and what steps are being taken by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board to attract more tourists to Singapore.
TOURIST ARRIVALS - (Measures to arrest declining rate) Mr Speaker, Sir, in 1982, the number of tourist arrivals to Singapore increased by 4.5%, less than half the growth achieved in 1981. The growth in our tourist arrivals began to slow down significantly in the middle of 1982. In December 1982 and January 1983, we experienced for the first time in many years declines of 3.3% and 2.9% respectively in tourist arrivals. There are several reasons for the declining rate of tourist arrivals. The key factor is the recession in the traditional tourist generating markets such as Europe, USA, Australia and some of our Asian markets. The effect of the recession on the tourism industry has not been peculiar to Singapore. Most countries experienced either declines or very low growth in tourist arrivals in 1982. Growth in world tourism slowed down from 1.3% in 1980 to 0.85% in 1982. The slower growth is also partly due to the fact that, in terms of cost of hotel accommodation, Singapore has become an expensive city to visit compared to other Asian competitor cities. Over the last four years, hotel room rates in Singapore have doubled. The hotel industry has felt the impact of the slower growth in tourist arrivals. The average hotel occupancy rate fell from 85.7% in 1981 to 80.8% in 1982. In January 1983, it fell further to 73.2%. In line with the fall in tourist arrivals, the growth in real output of the hotel industry dropped from 10.4% in 1981 to 4.5% in 1982. The restaurants and the retail trade sector also showed slower growth in real output of approximately 5% in 1982 compared to a high growth rate of 9% in 1981. Similarly SIA no longer experienced the brisk business of the previous years; the passenger-kilometres covered by SIA grew by only 5%, less than half the rate in 1981. To arrest the decline in tourism growth, the following measures have been taken by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board: (i) Firstly, STPB has revamped its marketing and promotion strategy. The Board is placing more emphasis on markets such as USA and Japan which are expected to recover sooner from the recession. STPB has also intensified its promotion in new markets such as South Korea. New marketing tactics which have more direct influence on potential travellers have been introduced. These include postcard campaigns and in-store promotions in large department stores in Europe and Australia. More imaginative publications and promotional materials are also being used, many of which have been of prize-winning quality. More media and TV crews from the major tourist generating countries have been invited to Singapore to generate greater news coverage and awareness on Singapore. To get greater mileage from its marketing promotions, the Board has also stepped up its joint promotion programmes with airlines, hotels, travel agents and other tourist related organizations. (ii) Secondly, STPB has stepped up its efforts to promote Singapore as a Conventions and Exhibitions Centre. Conventioneers and exhibitors generally spend much more than the average tourist. The results of STPB's efforts have been heartening. The number of conventions involving regional and international participation increased from 158 in 1979 to 270 in 1982. (iii) Thirdly, STPB has devoted greater attention to developing our tourist infrastructure. More recreational and cultural activities such as the Dragon Boat Races, the Mooncake and Kite Festivals have been organized or sponsored by the STPB to make Singapore a more lively place and to induce tourists to stay longer in Singapore. Apart from this, STPB is also encouraging investors to develop new tourist attractions in Singapore. These investments will, however, take time to materialize. I expect that 1983 will be a difficult year for the tourist industry. While the STPB will re-double its efforts to attract more visitors, the tourist industry must also play its part. I would urge hotels, travel agents, department stores and other members of the tourist industry to increase their own marketing efforts and to provide good value and service. It is only through such joint efforts that we will achieve a healthy and vibrant tourist industry in the years to come.
BILL INTRODUCED - MASS RAPID TRANSIT CORPORATION BILL "to establish a corporation for the construction and operation of a mass rapid transit system in Singapore, to assume the functions, assets and liabilities of the Provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority, to repeal the Provisional Mass Rapid Transit Authority Act 1980 (No. 18 of 1980), and to make provisions for purposes connected therewith", recommendation of President signified, presented by the Minister for Communications and Minister for Labour (Mr Ong Teng Cheong); read the First time; to be read a Second time on the next available sitting of Parliament, and to be printed. CLAUSE:
MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES - OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL - YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1983 TO 31ST MARCH, 1984 Order read for resumed consideration in Committee of Supply [6th Allotted Day],
MAIN AND DEVELOPMENT ESTIMATES - OF SINGAPORE FOR THE FINANCIAL - YEAR 1ST APRIL, 1983 TO 31ST MARCH, 1984 3.03 p.m. Head T (cont.) - Amendment moved (22nd March, 1983), "That the sum to be allocated for Head T be reduced by $10 in respect of Subhead TE-01 of the Main Estimates." - [Mr Liew Kok Pun].