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Time Allocation for Committee of Supply - Announcement by Mdm Speaker Order. Pursuant to paragraph (7) of Standing Order 92, I have fixed the times for the conclusion of consideration of the Heads of Expenditure in the Estimates of Expenditure for fiscal year (FY) 2017/2018 in the Committee of Supply (COS).
Time Allocation for Committee of Supply - Announcement by Mdm Speaker In fixing these times, I have taken into account the reduction of Question Time to 30 minutes on the days allotted for the COS debates, and that the Sitting times of COS be extended for each of the allotted days which are subject to the approval of the House.
Time Allocation for Committee of Supply - Announcement by Mdm Speaker Additionally, I have notified Members that the Sittings on the allotted days of 3 to 9 March will commence at 11.30 am.
Time Allocation for Committee of Supply - Announcement by Mdm Speaker The "guillotine" times I have fixed have been notified to hon Members. Order. Questions for Oral Answer.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam 1 Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether the Ministry has determined (i) how the used SAF uniforms came into the possession of the smugglers who were caught unloading them near Batam in November 2016 and (ii) the motive for smuggling the uniforms to Batam; and (b) how does the Ministry intend to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam Mdm Speaker, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has an established system for disposing of its used and unwanted equipment. SAF Servicemen who need to dispose of their used uniforms can do so via collection points at all SAF eMarts. Our contractors for uniform disposal collect the used uniforms and send them to the incinerators. The used uniforms are then incinerated under witness by an SAF personnel.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam Following the incident, SAF has reminded our contractors to ensure that all uniform disposals are done in accordance with established procedures. SAF will also be putting up more disposal bins at SAF eMarts and will establish used uniform collection points at entrances of selected camps near populated areas in the next two to three months to reinforce the system. National Servicemen (NSmen) will be reminded to dispose of their old uniforms only via authorised collection points. These measures will reduce opportunities for unauthorised vendors to obtain and then sell used SAF uniforms.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam Mr Dennis Tan.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam Mdm Speaker, I thank the Senior Minister of State for his answer. Could I please ask him to answer part (a) of my question? I also have a few supplementary questions. Does SAF carry out any regular audits or spot checks to ensure that proper disposal is always carried out by the contractors? What actions will be taken to improve the current disposal process? What actions will be taken against the persons found responsible for causing or contributing to the uniforms being sold or smuggled into Indonesia?
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam Mdm Speaker, the handling and disposal of used SAF uniforms, we suspect, is due to actions of unauthorised parties. Our investigations have found that our authorised contractors have disposed of uniforms in accordance with established procedures. As mentioned earlier, the collection points are all available at all SAF eMarts. To enhance the convenience of our Servicemen, SAF will be putting the disposal bins with a one-way non-return valve at the entrance of selected camps near populated areas.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam So, the point is, we will continue to engage and remind our Servicemen and NSmen on where they should dispose of their used uniforms. We take this matter very seriously. We will ensure that should there be any individuals who have been found to have violated some of these regulations or procedures, they will be taken to task.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam Mr Dennis Tan.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam I thank the Senior Minister of State. Could I ask again what actions will be taken against the persons found responsible for causing or contributing to the uniforms being sold or smuggled into Indonesia? Another supplementary question, given the answers that the Senior Minister of State has given, is or will Singapore be working with the Indonesian authorities to identify the persons who have been arrested or detained in Indonesia in connection with the investigation for the smuggling of these uniforms?
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam It was reported by the media that the Indonesian Navy is investigating. We are waiting for the outcome of their investigation and, should there be any need for us to work together with them, we will certainly work with them. I think it is premature to even discuss what actions we will take. We will look at the situation as it emerges.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam One final short clarification, Mr Dennis Tan.
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam Thank you, Mdm Speaker. Could the Senior Minister of State please share with the House what would be the likely or expected timeline for the investigation to complete such that the Ministry of Defence would be able to consider whether actions will be taken against the persons responsible?
Smuggling of SAF Uniforms through Batam Madam, as mentioned, it was reported by the media that the Indonesian Navy is the one that is conducting the investigation. I think I am not in a position to set any timeline because, ideally, it is up to the Indonesian authorities, and we will leave it to them. When they complete the investigation and they share the information with us, then we will take the action accordingly.
Ban on Domestic Trade in Ivory 2 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will implement a ban on the domestic trade in ivory; (b) if so, what is the timeframe for implementing the ban; and (c) if not, what factors does the Ministry take into account in not banning the domestic trade.
Ban on Domestic Trade in Ivory Mdm Speaker, the Government is looking into implementing a domestic ban on the sale of ivory. This is part of Singapore's broader commitment to tackle the illegal ivory trade and to support elephant conservation. The implementation details, including an engagement process with relevant stakeholders, are currently being worked out.
Ban on Domestic Trade in Ivory Mr Louis Ng.
Ban on Domestic Trade in Ivory Mdm Speaker, can I check if there is a timeframe for implementing this ban? Secondly, if we do implement the ban, can I check with the Minister of State what will they do with the ivory that is currently on sale in our shops? Would we be requiring the shop owners to surrender them or will we allow them to keep it? My fear of allowing them to keep it is that it may enter into the black market.
Ban on Domestic Trade in Ivory Madam, we will announce the timeframe when we have sufficient time to engage with the local stakeholders and we will notify the public accordingly. In terms of local ivory trade, the commercial import and export of ivory have been prohibited since 1990. Non-commercial import and export of ivory, for example, for museum display and for research, are still permitted with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore's (AVA's) approval and documentation. Within Singapore, buying and selling of ivory is permitted until such a ban is in place.
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs 3 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources whether the Ministry will consider conducting a study to quantify the savings in healthcare costs that can be obtained from various possible levels of incremental improvements in air quality in the short, mid and long term.
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs There have been several studies estimating costs associated with air pollution. The World Bank and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation published a study in 2016 which estimated the economic costs attributable to air pollution across various countries. Locally, a study was published in 2013 by Prof Euston Quah and Assoc Prof Chia Wai-Mun to estimate the economic cost of particulate air pollution (PM10) on public health in Singapore.
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs While the exact figures may differ as they depend on the assumptions and methodologies in each study, it is clear that air pollution has a direct impact on public health. To address this public health concern, my Ministry included in the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015 a set of Air Quality Targets which we aim to achieve by 2020. These standards are based on the World Health Organization's (WHO's) Air Quality Guidelines.
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs To date, we have already initiated several measures to reduce the emission of pollutants. We have recently tightened the emission standards for industries. We have also introduced measures to manage the emissions from vehicles. These include stricter standards for fuel quality and emissions standards for new vehicles, as well as incentive schemes to encourage the purchase of new and cleaner vehicle models. We will continue to review these measures as we work towards our 2020 Air Quality Targets.
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs Mr Leon Pereira.
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs I thank the Senior Minister of State for the answer. Going forward, when the Government presents measures in the Budget or through other platforms in relation to air quality, will the Government also consider providing an estimate of the positive impact on healthcare costs, MediShield Life and other components of healthcare costs, so that a better assessment can be made about the investments that we are putting into air quality and the likely savings that may result in healthcare costs on the other side of the equation?
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs I thank the Member for his supplementary question. As I have noted, we have many local and international studies that seek to establish the impact of air pollution on health as well as healthcare costs. Depending on the methodologies and the assumptions used, the figures may vary. What we have done to inform policy review and formulation is to gather these various studies and have a holistic picture of the economic costs to health and healthcare and then determine our policies.
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs As I have said, we have set air quality targets based on WHO Air Quality Guidelines in our Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB) 2015. WHO has established a set of air quality guidelines where health risk is largely reduced because every reduction obviously matters. WHO also acknowledges that when we set guidelines, we have to take into account local constraints, such as mitigation costs, for instance, accessibility, affordability and availability of the technologies.
Link between Better Air Quality and Reduction in Healthcare Costs Hence, when we regularly review our policies as well as develop new policies in order to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, we take these into account as part of the cost-benefit analysis. But as I said, the figures can vary significantly and we have to look at it holistically.
Purchase Limits of Singapore Saving Bonds 4 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Prime Minister (a) whether the current purchase limits of Singapore Savings Bonds can be raised; and (b) whether Singaporeans can be allowed to use monies in their Supplementary Retirement Scheme Account to purchase the Singapore Savings Bonds.
Purchase Limits of Singapore Saving Bonds More than 40,000 individuals now hold over $1.1 billion of Singapore Savings Bonds in aggregate. The Savings Bond is a good alternative to cash held in savings and fixed deposit accounts. Our efforts have, therefore, focused on making it convenient for individuals to apply for Savings Bonds through automated teller machines and Internet banking channels.
Purchase Limits of Singapore Saving Bonds Mr Patrick Tay has asked if Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) monies can be used to purchase Savings Bonds. This is an idea we are open to and have been studying. There is, of course, a cost involved in making this channel available and we have to assess whether it can benefit a sufficiently broad segment of people. As of now, the additional benefits are not clear since SRS monies can already be invested in Singapore Government Securities, which offer the same returns as Savings Bonds, if held to maturity.
Purchase Limits of Singapore Saving Bonds Mr Patrick Tay has also suggested raising the individual limits on purchasing Savings Bonds. Currently, the maximum investment amount for each Savings Bond issue, or "issue limit", is $50,000 and the maximum individual holding, or "overall limit", is $100,000. These limits ensure that Savings Bonds can be available to more individuals.
Purchase Limits of Singapore Saving Bonds The current limits are not cast in stone. However, so far, only a small minority of Savings Bond investors have reached the boundaries of these limits. Only one in five applicants, on average, requests for the maximum of $50,000 of a given issue. Less than 7% of investors are near or have reached the $100,000 overall limit. We will monitor the take-up for some time before considering whether raising the limits would benefit a broad proportion of savers.
Correction of Information on Gov Factually Website 5 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Communications and Information what criteria are used to determine the selection of falsehoods corrected on the Gov Factually website.
Correction of Information on Gov Factually Website Factually aims to clarify widespread or common misperceptions of Government policy or incorrect assertions on matters of public concern that can harm Singapore's social fabric.
Correction of Information on Gov Factually Website Over the years, the site has addressed inaccurate assertions about various matters, such as housing, the economy and finance. During the Zika outbreak, we allayed public misperceptions about the virus. This is part of the Government's efforts to ensure Singaporeans have access to accurate information on important matters.
Correction of Information on Gov Factually Website Factually, as its name suggests, concerns itself with facts, not opinions.
Correction of Information on Gov Factually Website Mr Leon Perera.
Correction of Information on Gov Factually Website I thank the Minister for his answer. Just one supplementary question; maybe this is just a confirmation. The process that Factually follows to decide which issues to talk about, is that process fundamentally about collecting feedback from various Ministries, Government agencies and Statutory Boards? Or has Factually in the past and will it in the future, be open to feedback from other non-government organisations to address on the website?
Correction of Information on Gov Factually Website Madam, the Member is correct that we do source the information and the claims from various sources within the Government and also from outside the Government. In fact, periodically, we do public engagement exercises and sessions, and during these sessions, some concerns may be raised by members of the public and we will look into them. If we think there is enough of interest in that subject matter that has purveyed some misperceptions, we will clarify.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers 6 Ms K Thanaletchimi asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what kind of financial and emotional support is given to single fathers who are from low- and middle-income families, some of whom also care for elderly family members; (b) how can the Ministry better engage the community and single-parent families so that the support can also come from the community at large; and (c) how can proactive assistance be given to such families instead of them resorting to borrowing money from moneylenders to make ends meet.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers Madam, the Government recognises that single parents, especially those who are from low- or middle-income families, face additional challenges in caring for their children and elderly parents. Apart from shouldering the cost of caring for their family members alone, they also have to balance work and family commitments. Such challenges are faced by single fathers and mothers alike. Correspondingly, the Government provides similar levels of support for both.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers Government benefits that support the growth and development of children are given to all children, regardless of the marital status of their parents. Children of single parents are eligible for MediSave Grant for Newborns and MediShield Life coverage, Child Development Account (CDA) benefits, child and infant care subsidies, child and infant care leave, the Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession and other education and healthcare subsidies.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers On top of basic child and infant care subsidies, low- and middle-income families with working mothers or single fathers can enjoy additional subsidies for centre-based care for their children. Depending on their household income, families receiving the highest tier of subsidies can pay as little as $3 per month for full-day childcare services. For half-day kindergarten run by the Ministry of Education and Anchor Operators, lower-income families can pay as little as $1 a month after subsidies.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers The Government has also put in place a range of initiatives to support caregivers of elderly family members, including single parents. These include home- and centre-based care services, respite care services, training grants and subsidies to help defray the costs of care.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers Both single fathers and single mothers who require financial assistance to meet their basic needs can approach the Social Service Offices for help. If they need help with socio-emotional issues, they can approach a Family Service Centre.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers My Ministry has also appointed four Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (DSSAs) to support divorcing and divorced parents and enhance child-centricity. Apart from participating in evidence-based programmes designed to help parents better understand the impact of divorce on children, parents who require additional emotional support can receive counselling and casework services at these DSSAs.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers To further strengthen the system of support, my Ministry also started to implement the KidSTART pilot programme in July last year. This programme will proactively identify low-income and vulnerable children aged six and below, and these may include children of single fathers. KidSTART will help to provide them with early access to health, learning and development support, and monitor their progress during their early years.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers Aside from the Government, community agencies, such as the Centre for Fathering and Focus on the Family, also provide support to parents, including single-parent families. Self-help groups have developed programmes and schemes for single parents, especially low-income single-parent families. Such programmes may include workshops, personal coaching, counselling and family bonding activities. Through peer support programmes, single-parent families are also roped in to support others going through similar challenges.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers In terms of financial support for the low-income, society at large has also been contributing actively. One example is the Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) Starter Scheme, where OCBC directly contributes funds into the child's CDA when parents save. The Government then matches the combined amount, thereby helping low-income parents to multiply their child's CDA savings. Another example is the close partnership between all the five Community Development Councils and the National Trades Union Congress' FairPrice to help low-income families with the purchase of milk powder for their children.
Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers Providing support for the vulnerable in society is a priority for the Government. We will continue to work at improving the delivery of social assistance and services to build a stronger social safety net for Singaporeans, including single parents.
12.24 pm 7 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will review the eligibility criteria for rental housing so that the income criterion is either a total household income or a per capita income; and (b) whether the per capita can be set at $650, similar to the ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance criterion.
12.24 pm Madam, as we have stated before, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) reviews the eligibility criteria for HDB rental flats from time to time and will continue to do so, taking this suggestion and others into account. Whether the criteria are based on household income or per capita income, there will always be a few deserving cases that do not meet the cut-off. That is why HDB already exercises flexibility so that families which do not meet the eligibility criteria can still get a rental flat, if they have no other housing options or family support. This includes bigger families, even if their household income exceeds the income ceiling.
12.24 pm Mr Louis Ng.
12.24 pm I thank the Minister for the reply. Can I just check if the HDB officers actively or proactively offer this information that we do allow waivers on a case-by-case basis and assist the applicants in applying for the waivers?
12.24 pm Secondly, I do understand there is a shortage of rental flats. So, I would like to ask the Ministry of National Development to consider pegging future supply to projections based on the demand of those on the ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance scheme, because they are the people who usually reside in the rental flats. And while there is shortage now, in future, we should project based on those numbers.
12.24 pm Madam, the fact that there is an appeals channel and the fact that HDB already exercises flexibility for cases that do not meet the income criterion, this is public information, and we do already receive many appeals on that basis. So, anyone who has an application for a rental flat and their application is rejected on an income basis can freely put up an appeal, either through their Member of Parliament or to HDB directly.
12.24 pm On the supply of rental flats, that is, indeed, being stepped up and there are more rental flats coming into the market.
12.24 pm Order. End of Question Time.
4.08 pm [(proc text) Order read for Resumption of Debate on Question [20 February 2017], (proc text)]
4.08 pm [(proc text) "That Parliament approves the financial policy of the Government for the financial year 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018." ‒ [Minister for Finance]. (proc text)]
4.08 pm [(proc text) Question again proposed. (proc text)]
4.08 pm Ms Rahayu Mahzam.
4.08 pm Mdm Speaker, like many of my colleagues in this House, I sought and received feedback and comments from residents and many others about the Budget. There are concerns about rising costs of living and great discomfort with the uncertain times ahead and the changes that Singaporeans are expecting to go through.
4.08 pm I think it is clear to Singaporeans that it is not business as usual. People are more aware of the deep shifts in the world with the advances in technology and the disruptions to traditional businesses and jobs.
4.08 pm The shopkeepers in my estate know that business is dwindling partly because people now buy online. Most of them are old and their children are generally not interested in taking over the business. They are not sure whether to continue to invest in the business, especially as they are uncertain as to how long more they can sustain the lease. Some shopkeepers are concerned about future income.
4.08 pm A resident I met recently sought help to re-enter a course he signed up for to upgrade himself. He failed to meet the grades required of the school and was terminated a few months into the course. He knows he has to work hard to keep up, but picking up a new skill and studying while still working are challenging.
4.08 pm I also know of a young couple with seven young children. The husband is the sole-breadwinner. He is keen to find a better paying job and his wife is also keen to work to supplement the family's income. However, they are saddled with bills and debts and have no alternative options for childcare. They are, therefore, struggling to survive and have difficulties making the time to upskill so that they can participate actively in the future economy.
4.08 pm These are some real day-to-day concerns and struggles faced by our fellow Singaporeans. I do not intend to paint a gloomy picture. In the cases I mentioned, some guidance and support are being given to the individuals and families. I also know of a lot of people who have overcome difficulties and I believe that people do need to take personal responsibility to improve their circumstances. But the point I would like to make is that we will always have to keep in mind the day-to-day issues people face and ensure that the translation of our policies can alleviate these concerns.
4.08 pm Budget 2017 sets out a broad roadmap for the way forward as a nation. It has been described by some as a Budget for the Uncertain Future. In his speech, the Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat, said that Budget 2017 outlines how we can thrive in an uncertain and rapidly changing world. It is a call for all of us to pull together − the Government, firms, unions, community organisations and individuals ‒ with everyone doing his part. He added that our bonds will help us develop greater resilience in the face of unexpected shifts and improve our ability to adapt.
4.08 pm There are gems within the Budget with regard to the plans to re-energise the economy. I have faith that the efforts in industry transformation, internationalisation, improving capabilities of businesses and workers will go a long way in building a stronger economy. However, the Budget is not just about the economy and fiscal needs but should also be a roadmap on society's values and support network.
4.08 pm I am happy to note that the Budget had also covered plans on building a caring and inclusive society. I feel that it is important that we give a little more attention to this aspect and consider the development of our social policies in light of the changing trends in the world.
4.08 pm In this regard, there are three main areas I wish to address.
4.08 pm One, how do we help the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community survive in the competitive economy?
4.08 pm Two, how do we rally people to care about one another and the environment while they face their own challenges?
4.08 pm Three, how can we harness existing resources within the community, in particular, amongst the young, to work together to build Singapore's future?
4.08 pm My first point relates to those who may be vulnerable or disadvantaged in our community. It is important for us to ensure that they do not get left behind in our race to develop our economy. This may sound cliche, but it is real.
4.08 pm Who will be disadvantaged? I am referring to the elderly who have to struggle with the technological and digital developments; the children from low-income families whose parents may not have the time and money to send them to enrichment classes; persons with disabilities which may inhibit them from participating actively in the competitive job market; caregivers of the elderly who have to stay home to care for their loved ones. There is a whole spectrum of people with varying needs. The Government needs to ensure that it does not lose sight of them in crafting policies and programmes.
4.08 pm The reality though is that it is unrealistic to expect the Government to extend help to every single individual. A more feasible way is to encourage the growth of a community network of support, with organised voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) as well as organic groups. These groups or people can help fill in the gaps by looking out for those who need support and provide the help when needed. I, therefore, support the plans in strengthening community bonds by enhancing the funding and development of capabilities to VWOs, charities and self-help groups. It is important to extend the support and funding to organic groups as well. Last year, there was mention of Our Singapore Fund. I would like to hear about the usage of this fund and whether there are plans to develop it further.
4.08 pm This leads me to my second point, about rallying people to help one another. It is very easy for people to forget about others when they are caught up with their own issues and difficulties. Most times though, people can support one another and there are always avenues to pay it forward. There should be efforts to create and promote a culture of giving back to the community through education and conversations with people in the community.
4.08 pm I laud efforts like SGCares and hope it gains stronger momentum amongst Singaporeans.
4.08 pm On the ground, we can continue to develop platforms for people to give a little time and support to others. For example, at Bukit Batok East, we have Project Giveaway Gateway initiated by the Youth Executive Committee. It is basically a platform for residents to make Requests and Offers and the Community Club will assist to match the needs and offers of support. At the end of last year, the team organised a Back-to-School edition and many residents came forward to purchase vouchers for school shoes which are then donated to children from needy families.
4.08 pm People should also be encouraged to continue taking care of the environment. In keeping with the theme of a Budget for the future, I am happy to see the initiatives which pave the way towards a greener Singapore. I trust there will be further efforts introduced to continue encouraging environmental consciousness. At this juncture, I declare that I am a board member of the Singapore Environmental Council. I am of the view that any future efforts need to be realistic and sustainable. The programmes need to connect with the people on the ground.
4.08 pm Two issues that have been raised in the past few years can be revived or rolled out in a more sustainable manner: (a) dealing with food wastage and (b) the over-use of plastic bags. I would like to hear more about the Government's plans in these areas and any future efforts to sustain environmental awareness in Singapore.
4.08 pm My third point relates to harnessing our existing resources in the community. In the past one and a half years as a Member of Parliament, I have been approached by several young people, some of them living in my estate and who are looking to do projects to help the community. This is heartening and such enthusiasm should be nurtured and encouraged. I note there are many existing programmes for youths and platforms for them to express their views and obtain grants to carry out community projects. At the local level, more can be done. Grassroots organisations, VWOs and charities can work together with youths within the neighbourhood to create solutions that can benefit the local community. Mdm Speaker, allow me to say a few words in Malay.
4.08 pm (In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Over the past year, I had the chance to chat with and engage many people, including students, grassroots leaders, professionals, volunteers and housewives from the Malay-Muslim community. Initially, I was worried because I observed a lack of concern or sense of urgency about the ever-changing economic situation and the need to upskill to tackle the new economy.
4.08 pm However, recently, I have seen a change in the mindsets and attitudes of our community. Many of them frequently asked about opportunities to upgrade themselves and many have taken the step to acquire new skills.