Phrases used by parrots: "...everyone has a part to play...", "...play their part..."

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#39

“While NParks continues to ensure that regulations are in place and properly enforced, pet owners, businesses and the public have a part to play,” the authorities added in their statement.

Jail for man who smuggled 6 puppies, bird in cramped car compartment; most of them later died

By LOUISA TANG
JUNE 24, 2021

Somasundram Pathumalai arriving at the State Courts on June 23, 2021.

• Somasundram Pathumalai was paid S$500 to smuggle the animals from Malaysia to Singapore last year
• The songbird and four of the six puppies eventually died after he was caught at Woodlands Checkpoint
• Two other men have been charged over the case

SINGAPORE — A 36-year-old man agreed to smuggle six puppies and a songbird into Singapore from Malaysia for S$500, keeping them in a cramped compartment in his car with poor ventilation.

All but two of the dogs eventually died from dehydration while in quarantine.

On Wednesday (June 23), the man, Somasundram Pathumalai, was sentenced to six months’ jail. The Singaporean pleaded guilty to two charges each of importing the animals without a valid licence and subjecting them to unnecessary suffering.

Ten other similar charges were taken into consideration for sentencing.

The two men who allegedly planned the smuggling operation — Jeevan Arjoon, 31, and Subramaniam Ellan, 33 — have been charged. Their cases are pending before the courts.

Somasundram’s lawyer said on Wednesday that they intend to claim trial and that his client is willing to testify against them.

WHAT HAPPENED

The court heard that on March 14 last year, an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer stopped Somasundram’s car as it was entering Singapore at Woodlands Checkpoint at 3am.

Upon checking the vehicle, officers found two German Shepherd puppies, four Great Dane puppies and a white-rumped shama, a songbird popular among bird owners, placed in a tube. The dogs were sedated and all of the animals were hidden in a compartment underneath a passenger seat.

The compartment where the six puppies and bird were hidden.

During investigations, Somasundram revealed that Subramaniam had offered him S$500 to smuggle the animals into Singapore.

Subramaniam then allegedly arranged for Somasundram to pick up a rental car, and told him to go to a Woodlands public housing block and wait for Jeevan — Subramaniam’s brother-in-law — to contact him.

Jeevan told Somasundram to follow him into Johor Baru, Malaysia, and meet at a patrol station.

They then drove to Selangor and picked up the puppies, before heading back to Johor to collect the bird at a pet shop. A man there also sedated the puppies through injections and Jeevan allegedly paid him for this.

Jeevan purportedly told Somasundram that he would return to Singapore first to see which checkpoint lane was the safest to drive through.

However, Somasundram did not wait for the other man to call him first. He drove to Woodlands Checkpoint and was stopped there.

The authorities found that the compartment’s cramped conditions and impeded ventilation would have caused the animals to suffer.

The puppies were also moderately to deeply sedated. Sedation reduces the ability of animals to increase their breathing rate to compensate for the lack of ventilation, National Parks Board (NParks) prosecutor Packer Mohammad told the court.

The animals were seized and quarantined for observation.

Between March 25 and 30 last year, three of the Great Danes and one German Shepherd died. The bird then died on April 23 last year.

IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE AND HARM

Mr Packer sought the sentence imposed, revealing that Somasundram had been jailed for one year in 2005 for illegally importing cigarettes. He was also most recently jailed for nine months in 2013 for housebreaking.

In mitigation, Somasundram’s lawyer, Mr Riyach Hussain, said that his client’s co-operation had led to the other two men being nabbed.

“His idea was just to pick up the puppies and deliver them to Singapore. He was not in any way involved in the sedation of the animals,” the lawyer added.

In sentencing Somasundram, District Judge Eddy Tham said that deterrence was the primary sentencing consideration in this case, and that “irreversible damage and harm” had been caused to the animals.

The judge allowed him to begin serving his jail time on July 21. He remains out on bail of S$10,000.

For each charge of illegally importing animals and a failure of duty to care for them, Somasundram could have been fined up to S$10,000 or jailed for up to 12 months, or both.

In a statement, NParks and ICA reiterated that the importation of all animals into Singapore requires approval from NParks.

The agencies noted that smuggled animals may introduce exotic diseases into the country, and that illegal wildlife trade impacts the biodiversity and ecosystems of the countries that the animals come from and end up in.

NParks also encouraged prospective pet owners to get their pets from licensed pet shops and not buy them from unknown sources, including those on online platforms.

“While NParks continues to ensure that regulations are in place and properly enforced, pet owners, businesses and the public have a part to play,” the authorities added in their statement.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#40
Government's multi-ministry task force on Covid-19: "Science and human ingenuity will eventually prevail over Covid-19. Cohesion and social consciousness will get us there faster. We must all do our part."

Singapore preparing road map for living with Covid-19​

With enough people vaccinated, Covid-19 will be managed like other endemic diseases such as the common flu, and people will be able to work, travel and shop without quarantines or lockdowns.

Tham Yuen-C
Senior Political Correspondent

JUN 24, 2021

SINGAPORE - Singapore will prepare its population to deal with Covid-19 as part of their daily lives and people will be able to work, travel and shop without quarantines and lockdowns, even with the coronavirus in their midst.
With enough people vaccinated, Covid-19 will be managed like other endemic diseases such as the common flu and hand, foot and mouth disease, said the three co-chairmen of the Government's multi-ministry task force on Covid-19 as they outlined plans for Singapore to transition to a new normal.
Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung said in an article published in The Straits Times on Thursday (June 24) that the priority in the next few months will be to prepare Singapore for life with Covid-19 as a recurring, controllable disease.
"It has been 18 months since the pandemic started and our people are battle-weary. All are asking: When and how will the pandemic end?" they said.
"The bad news is that Covid-19 may never go away. The good news is that it is possible to live normally with it in our midst."
A road map is being drawn up to shift to this new normal and it will be done in tandem with achieving certain vaccination milestones.

Singapore has been taking steps to prepare for Covid-19 becoming endemic and has ramped up its vaccination drive amid the battle to bring down the spike in cases.
Vaccination already appears to be effective in reducing the rates of infection and transmission. Most fully vaccinated people show mild or no symptoms even if they contract the disease.
By early next month, two-thirds of the population in Singapore will have received at least one jab of the two-jab vaccines, said the ministers.
"Our next milestone will be to have at least two-thirds of our population fully vaccinated with two doses around National Day, supply permitting. We are working to bring forward the delivery of vaccines and to speed up the process," they said.

In time, said the ministers, people with Covid-19 will be allowed to recover at home, so there will be less concern about the healthcare system being stressed. Their close contacts can buy test kits from pharmacies to test themselves.
In fact, testing will no longer be a tool for ring-fencing and quarantining people, but will be used more for screening those who want to enter office buildings, malls and schools, among other places.
The daily updates on infection numbers will also shift to focus on outcomes, such as how many patients fall very sick and end up needing intensive care, the same way the flu is monitored.

Slowly, safe management rules can be eased and large gatherings will once again be allowed, such as at the National Day Parade or New Year's Eve countdown.
Businesses will also not have to fear disruptions from lockdowns.
Eventually, people will be able to travel again, with vaccination certificates in hand, to countries that have also controlled the virus and turned it into an endemic norm. They may even be exempted from quarantine with a negative test upon arrival.
"Finally, whether we can live with Covid-19 depends also on Singaporeans' acceptance that Covid-19 will be endemic and our collective behaviour... If all of us shoulder the burden together - workers keeping their colleagues safe by staying at home when ill and employers not faulting them - our society will be so much safer," the ministers said.
They added: "Science and human ingenuity will eventually prevail over Covid-19. Cohesion and social consciousness will get us there faster. We must all do our part."

 

[blackmondy]

The only part I will play is a chiobu's private part.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#41
It is important for the majority community in Singapore to do its part by being sensitive to the needs of minorities, as it is harder to be a minority in any multiracial society, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.

Majority community in S'pore should do its part and be sensitive to minorities' needs: Lawrence Wong​

Singapore's philosophy of multiracialism has worked largely due to mutual understanding and trust forged between communities, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.

Yuen Sin

June 25, 2021


SINGAPORE - It is important for the majority community in Singapore to do its part by being sensitive to the needs of minorities, as it is harder to be a minority in any multiracial society, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday (June 25).
This applies to all aspects of daily life, he added, highlighting those who face discrimination when looking for a job, potential tenants who learn that landlords do not prefer their race, and "our students, neighbours, co-workers and friends who have to deal with stereotypes about their race, or insensitive comments".
"These things do happen, not always, and perhaps not even often, but sometimes. And when they do happen, they cause real hurt, which is not erased by lightly dismissing them as casual remarks or jokes," said Mr Wong at a forum on race and racism held via teleconference.
At the forum, which was organised by the Institute of Policy Studies and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Mr Wong noted recent worrying incidents that have caused Singaporeans to consider the state of its racial harmony.
He said the cases, highlighted on social media, have helped to create a greater awareness of racism, and opened up conversations about how Singaporeans can hold themselves to higher standards and tackle racism.
In his speech, the minister set out Singapore's philosophy of multiracialism and gave suggestions to improve its system, which he said has worked largely due to mutual understanding and trust forged between communities, instead of confrontation or compulsion.


A delicate balance has been struck through mutual compromise, he noted. "No community has gotten everything it wanted, but collectively, we have achieved more together than what we would have otherwise by just focusing on our individual agendas."
But he noted that society's attitudes and conditions continue to evolve and change over time, and there are Singaporeans who feel it is time to take a different approach on race relations - namely that the Government should work on the basis that Singapore is a race-blind society, and remove all rules and practices that underline race in various ways.
Saying he shared these aspirations, Mr Wong offered three suggestions to improve on the country's multiracial model.
Besides the majority community taking the extra step to consider the needs of minorities, he called on Singaporeans to continue with the approach of mutual accommodation, trust and compromise.

The Government will also continue to engage widely and to update its policies to help strengthen racial harmony in Singapore, he added.

'Treat others in the way you would like to be treated'​

Mr Wong said he believes the majority community in Singapore recognises the difficulties that minorities may face.
"I ask that we do more and take the extra step to make our minority friends, neighbours, co-workers feel comfortable.
"Treat others in the way you would like to be treated; and by your actions, teach your children to do the same. Remind those among your family members or friends who may slip up from time to time," he said.
At the same time, minorities have also reciprocated by recognising that the majority community has legitimate needs and concerns, he added.
Noting that people sometimes discuss "Chinese privilege" in Singapore, he stressed that it is important to recognise that the Chinese community in Singapore is not monolithic.
The term "Chinese privilege" is adapted from the concept of "white privilege" used in the United States, where privilege gives someone dominance in a society because of identity markers such as one's race or sex.
"There may well be biases or blind spots that the Chinese community should become aware of and to rectify," Mr Wong acknowledged.
At the same time, he said there remains an entire generation of Chinese Singaporeans who are more comfortable in Chinese than English, and who consider themselves at a disadvantage in an English-speaking world.
"They feel that they have already given up much to bring about a multiracial society: Chinese-language schools, Nanyang University, dialects, and so on. 'What do you mean by 'Chinese privilege'?' they will ask, for they do not feel privileged at all," said Mr Wong, explaining that many of them will naturally object to being characterised in such a manner.

'Don't construe every compromise as an injustice'​

Singaporeans must continue to speak up and even be prepared to have uncomfortable discussions about race, Mr Wong added. This is not to start arguments, but to begin civilised discussions, listen to one another, and understand all points of view.
"We should be upfront and honest about the racialised experiences various groups feel, and deal squarely with them," he said.
"But we should not insist on maximum entitlements and rights for our respective groups; construe every compromise as an injustice that needs to be condemned; or put the worst interpretation on every perceived slight or insensitivity," he cautioned.

​

The minister made clear that he was not saying Singaporeans should refrain from voicing their unhappiness, or that minority Singaporeans should stop talking about the prejudices they experience.
But when one group jostles aggressively to assert its identity and rights over others, it will not take long before other groups feel put upon, and start to jostle back, he said.
He pointed to trends in other countries, where one side uses identity politics to push its cause, which invariably emboldens another to up the ante and make greater demands.
"We end up fuelling our worst tendencies - our tribalism, hostility and vengefulness," said Mr Wong.
"If we go down this path, insisting on differences over commonality, minority groups will not win, and the outcome will be most unhappy for the majority community too."
He called on groups advocating change to be conscious about how they approach the matter, and do so in ways that expand the space for agreement, and not narrow it.
In doing so, they should also deepen cross-cultural understanding and not cause defensiveness and suspicion, and appeal to the "better angels" in all instead of instigating a "them versus us" dynamic, he said.

Updating racial policies​

Making the point that Singapore's policies on race are not cast in stone, Mr Wong said the Government will continue to engage widely on the issue.
"For any policy - be it GRC, ethnic integration policy, self-help groups, or SAP schools, we continually ask ourselves: What is it that we are trying to achieve? Is the policy still relevant today? If so, can it be further fine-tuned or improved?" he added.
Mr Wong cited the ongoing review on whether Muslim nurses should be allowed to wear the tudung with their uniform. This process entails detailed study and extensive dialogue between the Government and various communities, he said.
"It cannot be rushed, nor should things be changed simply based on who shouts the loudest," said Mr Wong, adding that any policy change must ultimately expand Singapore's common space and strengthen racial harmony, while allowing each community as much room as possible to go about its way of life.
On immigration, he noted that a transient population of work pass holders has been gathered around the Singapore core, which enables the country to stay competitive, attract investments and create good jobs for Singaporeans.
"We control the inflow of these migrant workers. However, it is not possible for us to ensure that their ethnic mix matches our resident population, nor that they meld seamlessly into our social fabric. So from time to time, this creates frictions and issues within and among our communities."
Mr Wong said the Government understands these concerns, and thus continues to review and update work pass policies too, to ensure they meet Singapore's economic needs and also fit into the social context.
He urged Singaporeans to move forward with a spirit of mutual respect and fellowship by helping one another understand their different cultures, and finding the common stake they have in one another.
"We must have the humility to acknowledge our multiracialism is still a work in progress, the honesty to recognise that not everyone will want to move at the same pace, and yet persevere to protect our multiracialism - cherish it, nurture it, strengthen it."

 

[blackmondy]

If majority community in S'pore should do its part and be sensitive to minorities' needs......​

So does that mean minority community in S'pore can be insensitive to majorities' needs ?​

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#42
Bernard Tay, chairman of the Singapore Road Safety Council: "All cyclists should play their part by keeping themselves and other motorists safe and refrain from cycling on the expressways, which are meant for other motorists who are travelling at higher speeds."

More cyclists caught riding illegally on S'pore expressways this year​

A cyclist caught riding on the East Coast Parkway.
Yeo Shu Hui

June 27, 2021


SINGAPORE - Concerns over cyclists risking their lives on expressways are growing, given the number of those caught flouting the rule.
According to statistics from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), 44 cyclists were caught on expressways in the first four months of this year. This is close to the 50 cyclists caught on expressways during the whole of last year.
The figures include cyclists riding conventional pedal bicycles and power-assisted bicycles (PABs).
While cyclists are allowed on roads, it is illegal for them to ride on expressways and in road tunnels.
LTA said that while it is encouraging to see more people taking up cycling for daily commuting and exercise, there are some who may break the rules because of their unfamiliarity with the road network, or because they are not fully aware of current regulations.
It said: "There is also a minority who, out of convenience, knowingly break regulations by riding on expressways."



Those who do so can be fined up to $2,000 or jailed for up to six months.
Road traffic accidents on expressways involving cyclists are also a matter of concern.
A police spokesman said there were one fatality and one injury involving cyclists on PABs, and two injuries involving cyclists on pedal bicycles last year.
In 2019, there were no fatalities and three injuries involving cyclists on pedal bicycles. There were no fatalities or injuries involving cyclists on PABs in 2019. The police did not provide figures for this year.

The LTA told The Sunday Times that as at the end of last month, there were 31,660 registered PABs here. This is more than double the 15,700 registered PABs as at March 31 last year.
Road traffic accidents involving personal mobility devices (PMDs) fell greatly. There were zero fatalities and 50 injuries last year, compared with two fatalities and 198 injuries in 2019.
The police attributed the decrease in PMD traffic accidents to continued public education on safe riding habits and changes to the Active Mobility Act restricting all motorised PMDs to cycling paths and banning the use of PMDs that do not comply with the UL2272 fire safety standard on public paths.

Observers said the pandemic has fuelled a spike in the number of cyclists on the roads here.
Bikemart SG's sales manager, Mr Jason Elijah, 38, said his shop sold more bicycles during the pandemic - three a day, up from one a day previously. "We usually tell our customers to stay off the road if they are not experienced and practise on the park connectors," he said.
Singapore Cycling Federation vice-president for safety and education Steven Lim said many sports facilities were ordered to close or faced restrictions amid the pandemic, so cycling and running became good options for many.

​

Mr Bernard Tay, chairman of the Singapore Road Safety Council, said that the greater number of cyclists on the roads could be due to more food delivery workers using bicycles as a mode of transport.
Mr Lim and Mr Tay urged cyclists to always abide by traffic rules and to not ride on expressways.
Mr Tay said: "All cyclists should play their part by keeping themselves and other motorists safe and refrain from cycling on the expressways, which are meant for other motorists who are travelling at higher speeds."

 

[laksaboy]

If majority community in S'pore should do its part and be sensitive to minorities' needs......​

So does that mean minority community in S'pore can be insensitive to majorities' needs ?​

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#43
"Though agencies need to play their part to ensure a good employer-maid fit and maid retention, employers, too, are responsible for integrating the domestic helper into their households and creating a harmonious environment so that the working relationship can last for the duration of the contract and beyond."

Forum: Various reasons for employment agencies to increase costs​

June 30, 2021

Employment agencies charge their clients a service fee for rendering services such as sourcing and matching suitable candidates to employers, and processing applications for work passes and documents related to the deployment of a migrant domestic worker.
Additionally, an employment agency facilitates and attends to the various requirements of an employer and follow-up services.
Employment agencies have business costs such as rental, staff salaries, licence fees and insurance, and are subject to business risk and losses like any other business.
This varies from agency to agency depending on the business structure, model and services rendered, which entails them to structure their fee accordingly.
In the current pandemic conditions, there are various reasons for increased costs in hiring a maid.
Employment agencies are responsible for the maintenance of a migrant domestic worker, incurring insurance, upkeep and boarding costs.


With the 50 per cent service fee refund that will be introduced later this year, agencies that can better match maids to their employers will not have to refund service fees as often (Employment agencies still not motivated to ensure maid retention, June 22).
They will also be able to keep their fees more competitive compared with agencies which are unable to do so.
Employers and migrant domestic workers can choose to engage employment agencies that meet their budget and provide the required services.
Employers should also use the employment agencies' directory on the Ministry of Manpower's website to identify agencies with higher retention rates or good customer ratings in areas such as fee structure and quality of placements.
Though agencies need to play their part to ensure a good employer-maid fit and maid retention, employers, too, are responsible for integrating the domestic helper into their households and creating a harmonious environment so that the working relationship can last for the duration of the contract and beyond.
Going beyond the household and into a workplace in general, any environment that is conducive to employees, with a fair salary, clear guidelines on scope of work, enough rest hours and non-fractious interactions with other members of the team, will induce them to stay in that job for years.

K. Jayaprema
President
Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore)

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#44
"The Rail Corridor and Park Connector Network are popular recreational trails and everyone has a role to play in ensuring that these trails are used safely."

"Other users can also play their part by, for example, being attentive to their surroundings and giving way to faster-moving users."

Forum: A role for all park connector users to ensure others' safety​

JUL 1, 2021


We thank the writers of Forum letters "Enforce cycling speed limit at Rail Corridor" (June 22), "Better safety rules needed for walkers and bikers on park connectors" and "Reserve middle lane of park connectors for cyclists" (both June 23), and "Park connector path markings need to be clearer" (June 25) for their feedback and suggestions.
The Rail Corridor and Park Connector Network are popular recreational trails and everyone has a role to play in ensuring that these trails are used safely.
The National Parks Board (NParks) and Land Transport Authority regularly encourage everyone to ride safely through enforcement action and education.
In particular, we will step up engagement and education at the Rail Corridor, by placing more signs at hot spots and deploying staff to remind cyclists to be gracious to other users. Enforcement action will be taken where necessary.
Over the weekend, more than 80 cyclists were given advisories to slow down and be considerate to other park users at the Rail Corridor.
NParks is also reaching out to users to share proper etiquette on park connectors, and encourage more gracious behaviour and appropriate use of the Park Connector Network. We will also seek feedback on path markings.

Cyclists and personal mobility device (PMD) users are reminded to observe active mobility rules and guidelines, including knowing where they can ride and the speed limits.
At some locations of the Park Connector Network where the space is wider, paths are segregated for various users.
There are footpaths for pedestrians and cyclists travelling slower than 10kmh, while the cycling paths are for faster-moving users, such as cyclists and users of PMDs and power-assisted bicycles, who are travelling at speeds of not more than 25kmh.
The riding of motorised PMDs and power-assisted bicycles is not allowed on footpaths.
We would also like to remind all visitors to adhere to the safety guidelines and advisories when using the Rail Corridor and the Park Connector Network, and to be gracious to fellow users.
Cyclists should ride safely, slow down and give way to pedestrians especially in crowded areas, and dismount and push their bikes when approaching narrow stretches.
Other users can also play their part by, for example, being attentive to their surroundings and giving way to faster-moving users.
The Rail Corridor and Park Connector Network are to be enjoyed as inclusive and safe shared spaces for all.

Kartini Omar
Group Director, Parks Development
National Parks Board

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#45
Everyone has a role to play in upholding good hygiene standards.

Forum: Industry and consumers have a part to play in cleanliness​

Jul 2, 2021

We agree with Mr Brandon Lee that good hygiene practices are critical in curbing the spread of Covid-19 (Hygienic dining environment needed at hawker centres, coffee shops, June 22).
Everyone has a role to play in upholding good hygiene standards.
Under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations, stallholders at hawker centres and coffee shops are required to ensure that crockery and receptacles, such as trays, provided to patrons are clean.
Food establishment operators must also keep food preparation areas and premises clean and pest-free, and ensure that food preparation surfaces, eating utensils and cooking equipment are clean.
Singapore Food Agency (SFA) inspects and enforces actions to ensure that food establishments comply with the regulations.
At the start of the Covid-19 situation in Singapore, SFA and the National Environment Agency (NEA) also issued reminders to stallholders at hawker centres and coffee shops on the need for good hygiene practices such as regularly disinfecting areas that are touched frequently, for example, tabletops.

Stallholders are reminded to adopt measures to maintain good personal and public hygiene, such as the wearing of masks.
They should also ensure that staff who are unwell seek medical attention promptly.
The town councils manage and maintain common property in most hawker centres.
NEA issued an advisory in May to town councils, hawker centre and market operators, managing agents, and cleaning contractors and their staff to maintain high standards of sanitation in hawker centres and markets.

In June, town councils were reminded to step up cleaning and disinfection at hawker centres before dine-in resumed, and to follow the guidelines in the earlier advisory.
There have been extensive educational efforts, including the Clean Tables Campaign this year.
It is now mandatory for patrons to return trays and crockery, and to clear the table of litter at hawker centres, allowing cleaners to focus on cleaning and disinfecting tables.
This self-service approach is a more sustainable way of keeping our dining places safe and clean.
It is also crucial for diners to exercise good personal hygiene. These include:
• Seeking medical attention promptly and staying home if unwell;
• Wearing a mask and observing safe distancing measures when out of the house;
• Washing hands with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet;
• Avoiding touching the face with hands;
• Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing, and throwing the tissue away into a bin immediately.

Abdul Jalil (Dr)
Senior Director
Joint Operations Division
Singapore Food Agency
Andrew Low
Group Director
Hawker Centres Division
National Environment Agency

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#46
"Let's do our part together to help these students recover from this tragic episode."

Forum: All have role in helping schoolmates heal​

July 24, 2021

What happened earlier this week in River Valley High School, in which a Secondary 1 boy was allegedly killed by a Secondary 4 student, was tragic and unfortunate.
I cannot imagine the pain that the affected families are going through, and my heart also goes out to all who were present in school, from teachers to students.
Social media was filled with comments expressing shock and despair over what had transpired, because it was the first time such an incident has occurred.
Those who witnessed the incident are not the only ones who experienced trauma. There were also those who heard the screams of their schoolmates or saw them fleeing, saw the shock on others' faces, and those who were kept in their classrooms for hours.
The key question in the aftermath of this tragedy is: How do we help these people?
Many have been quick to offer support to the students in the school. But it is important to understand that even though talking about this incident helps one to process and make sense of what has happened, this can take place only when the student feels safe enough to do so.

Also, the student has to feel equipped to handle his emotions after talking about it.
It is equally crucial to give students the space that they need.
Our ability to heal from a traumatic experience also comes with having strong relationships.
Every individual plays a part in helping these children heal from this episode.
These students live in a generation of emojis and pictures, and I can imagine them going on social media and the Internet to try to make sense of what has happened.
The comments that we make, posts we share, and everything that we put up online are equally crucial to their healing.
Let's do our part together to help these students recover from this tragic episode.

Givon Lim Jing Wen

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#47

Schools have autonomy to decide start times for students, says Sun Xueling​

Ms Sun Xueling was responding to MPs who had asked if there are plans to re-evaluate school start times.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY

Linette Lai
Political Correspondent

Aug 3, 2021


SINGAPORE - While schools have the flexibility to start later so that students get enough sleep, parents must also play their part to cultivate good sleep habits, said Minister of State for Education Sun Xueling on Tuesday (Aug 3).
She was responding to Workers' Party MP Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) and Ms Cheng Li Hui (Tampines GRC), who had asked if there are plans to re-evaluate school start times.
At present, schools do not start earlier than 7.30am.
But Ms Sun said they have the autonomy to start later, taking into consideration factors such as parents' feedback, school end times, transport arrangements and the traffic situation around the school.
Noting that multiple issues contribute to the problem of sleep deprivation, Ms Sun added that her ministry has commissioned two research studies looking into the impact of factors affecting students' sleep duration and quality.
"Apart from whether school start times should be delayed, we will need to work with parents to improve sleep hygiene, manage the overall load on students, as well as their use of digital devices," she said.



Her remarks drew comments from Associate Professor Jamus Lim and Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten), with Prof Lim asking if the Education Ministry (MOE) could consider staggering start times for secondary school students.
He cited a Straits Times article by three sleep scientists, which pointed out that students in this age group experience changes that delay their preferred sleep times, and could therefore most benefit froma later start at school.
Meanwhile, Mr Lim suggested that schools should encourage parents to get their children to sleep earlier.
"When my kids were young, I used to tell them to sleep early... to be able to go to school without having problems," he said. "So, instead of getting school to start later, would we not consider asking children to sleep earlier, to get their full quota of available sleep?"
Ms Sun pointed out that schools already stagger start times as part of safe management measures. MOE will be looking at the results of its recently-commissioned studies to better understand sleep issues, she said.
She also noted that delaying school start times may not translate to an increase in sleep duration, citing a 2016 study involving one local school which found that a 45-minute delay in school start time resulted in a 10-minute increase in sleep time.
Workers' Party MP Leon Perera (Aljunied GRC) then asked if the issue of traffic congestion would become less of a concern, given that more people are now working from home in a trend that may persist beyond the pandemic.
Ms Sun replied that her ministry would consider these and other factors holistically.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Felix Lim: "Let us all play our part in creating a safer environment."

Forum: All parties in a group need to ensure compliance to dining curbs​

Aug 17, 2021

All of us have a responsibility and vested interest in keeping our environment safe for one another. The rules and expected etiquette in the Covid-19 new normal have been clearly communicated in the area of dining in.
It is disappointing to read about people showing up with fake vaccination certificates, driven by self-centred reasons despite not being fully vaccinated (F&B patrons grapple with new dine-in rules, Aug 15).
When breaches occur, restaurant operators risk being shut down, which could threaten the livelihoods of their staff and affect their own families.
Should someone with Covid-19 be found to have dined in a restaurant, he puts at risk the lives of fellow diners and their families. This may also lead to fellow diners in close contact with him being issued with quarantine orders.
These are the widespread implications that can arise from an act by one selfish individual.
To discourage these acts, all parties must have skin in the game.

For instance, fellow diners within the same social group must be taken to task as well. This would be a good first line of prevention.
I encourage restaurant operators who pick up cases of fake vaccination certificates to call the police.
Let us all play our part in creating a safer environment.

Felix Kim Heok Eng

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"We would like to encourage everyone to play a part in building a culture of respect and care for migrant domestic workers, in our homes and our communities," said MOM.

Employers must provide maids with rest day that cannot be compensated away: MOM​

A foreign domestic helper is seen strolling with an elderly woman on Oct 31, 2019. (File photo: TODAY/Najeer Yusof)

Lakeisha Leo​

22 Jul 2021

SINGAPORE: People in Singapore who employ foreign maids will have to provide them with at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Thursday (Jul 22).
This new measure is one of several the ministry will be implementing to help strengthen support for maids and their well-being, said MOM in a press release.
"Employers will be required to provide their MDWs (migrant domestic workers) with at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away.
"This will provide more opportunities for MDWs to form a network of support outside the household, as well as rest and recharge from work," said the ministry.
The mandatory rest day policy will take effect in end-2022. MOM said it understands that some employers may need time to "adjust to the new rest day arrangements".

The new measures come after a review by MOM, which included consultations with stakeholders such as those who employ maids, employment agencies, non-governmental organisations and doctors.
MOM said these measures were developed with two broad objectives - to help both maids and employers settle into a "mutually beneficial working relationship" and to detect signs of abuse "more quickly".
"We recognise that MDWs may face challenges in adjusting to work and life in Singapore. Similarly, employers may also face difficulties in accommodating a new person into their household," said the ministry.
It also aimed to detect signs of abuse more quickly by "enhancing current touchpoints", as well as to help maids build a wider network of support beyond their households.

VARIOUS MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED PROGRESSIVELY
Other measures, which will be implemented progressively, include enhancing the six-monthly medical examination for maids to better pick up any signs of abuse.
Doctors will be required to record the maids' body-mass index and check for signs of suspicious and unexplained injuries. They will need to submit these records to MOM for follow-up if necessary.
This process will be implemented by the third quarter of 2021.
Another measure is the implementation of post-placement checks by employment agencies. The move, to be put in place in the fourth quarter of 2021, is to ensure that maids and employers are adjusting well, and to offer support if needed.
"As the intermediary that facilitates matches between migrant domestic workers and employers, employment agencies play an important role in helping both parties build strong relationships," said MOM.

Maids will also be interviewed twice in their first year of work, up from once currently. This builds upon an earlier announced expansion of such interviews to cover all first-time maids by the end of the year.
"This will provide migrant domestic workers and their employers with more opportunities to raise and resolve issues, and settle into their working relationship," said the ministry.
To facilitate these in-person interviews, MOM will set up three neighbourhood centres in partnership with the Centre for Domestic Employees. The first neighbourhood centre is targeted to be operational by the first quarter of 2022.
The ministry said more details on their various initiatives will be shared in due course.
"Taking care of our migrant domestic workers will require a whole-of-society effort.
"We would like to encourage everyone to play a part in building a culture of respect and care for migrant domestic workers, in our homes and our communities," said MOM.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

“All of us must do our part, we must exercise responsibility,” Mr Wong stressed.

Why do we need Covid-19 booster shots, tighter curbs? Lawrence Wong, Ong Ye Kung answer key questions​

Clara Chong

OCT 12, 2021,

SINGAPORE - Unvaccinated people can continue to enter shopping malls for their medical appointments, such as to make visits to general practitioner clinics or to see the dentist even after vaccination-differentiated measures kick in.
This was were one of the questions answered by the co-chairs of Singapore’s multi-ministry task force in a video put up on Facebook on Tuesday (Oct 12).
“You don’t have to worry, we will provide flexibility for those who need to go to the shopping mall for medical treatment at a GP or at a dentist,” Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said.
The video touched on a range of topics, from explaining why people who are eligible should get their booster jabs to why it is necessary to tighten measures even as Singaporeans are told that they need not fear Covid-19.
On Oct 9, the multi-ministry task force (MTF) tackling Covid-19 announced that unvaccinated people will no longer be allowed to dine in or enter malls and large standalone stores. Large standalone supermarkets will be exempted from these measures.
A week’s grace period from Oct 13 to 19 was given for mall operators and others to become familiar with these measures.

In the video which runs for about six minutes, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong also explain why there are tighter measures for those who are not vaccinated.
Mr Wong said: “We are looking out for these unvaccinated people because the risks are higher.”
Mr Ong added: “Even if you are young but unvaccinated, don’t take for granted that you are safe.”
Another question raised was whether parents or caregivers who are unvaccinated will be able to take their children to childcare centres located in malls.
“Again, we will provide flexibility for such cases,” Mr Wong said.
When asked how the task force plans to enforce vaccination-differentiated measures in coffee shops and hawker centres, Mr Wong said they will be rely on coffee shop operators to implement this new measure, and that spot checks will be done by the Government.
“All of us must do our part, we must exercise responsibility,” Mr Wong stressed.
Catch the video here:

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"In the global war against climate change, militaries must do their part to protect the environment, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat."

And how do militaries go 'green'?
- Disband the army and national service?
- Stop flying fighter jets?
- Stop using warships and tanks?
- Stop firing of ammunition: bullets, shells, projectiles, missiles, bombs?

Militaries must go 'green', help world deal with climate change: Heng Swee Keat​

The Singapore Armed Forces aims to reduce carbon emissions growth by two-thirds by 2030.
ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

Lim Min Zhang

OCT 13, 2021


SINGAPORE - In the global war against climate change, militaries must do their part to protect the environment, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Wednesday (Oct 13).
Giving the keynote address at the third Singapore Defence Technology Summit, he noted that climate change has already heightened inter- and intra-state tensions and competition over limited resources.
Demands on militaries have also increased to support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in response to extreme weather events, he added.
"It is thus a collective responsibility for all countries and militaries to fight the common enemy of climate change."
This was one of four key shifts Mr Heng outlined for the defence sector on the second day of the summit, along with the need to build up adaptive capacity, counter asymmetric threats and tap "dual-use" innovations.
The four-day event organised by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) gathers technology leaders around the world to discuss issues related to the use of technology in the defence realm.

About 800 participants from 23 countries are expected to attend, including 100 in person at the Shangri-La Hotel.
In his speech, Mr Heng noted that progress has been made in getting militaries to go green.
In June this year, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation committed to work with its members to achieve a net-zero carbon goal for its troops and installations by 2050, he said.
Militaries have also been switching to sustainable fuel derived from biofuels.

The Singapore Armed Forces aims to reduce carbon emissions growth by two-thirds by 2030, said Mr Heng, who is also Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies.
This will involve, among other things, transiting to a fully electric army administrative vehicle fleet, with charging infrastructure to be built in camps and bases, he added.
Another key development for the defence sector, said Mr Heng, is the need to prepare better for disruptions, including to supply chains which have been affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

One way is to partner with civilian operators to improve supply chain visibility. Companies are using artificial intelligence and Internet of Things to develop better real-time tracking of the entire supply chain.
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, of spare parts or other critical components can help to mitigate supply chain risks, he added.
In the area of asymmetric threats, Mr Heng cited cyberspace as the new frontier for "grey zone" conflicts which require a "whole of nation" effort to address - involving private businesses, the research community and individuals.
He also urged the defence sector to tap innovations by the private sector.
Clear criteria is needed to decide when to buy and adapt, and when to invest and develop in-house, he said. Sandboxes can provide a useful way to test bed and incubate emerging technologies.
Such "dual use" innovations catalysed by the defence sector have found their way into civilian applications, he added.
In 2013, the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency funded a start-up called Moderna to develop mRNA therapeutics, then an unproven idea.
"The mRNA vaccine has truly been a game changer during this pandemic," said Mr Heng. "The positive spillover effects of these innovations have changed the world for the better, raising living standards and literally saving lives."

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

And the reply from the Municipal Services Office was: "Enforcement alone cannot keep Singapore safe on a sustained basis. We hope everyone will play their part by observing the necessary measures, and reminding others to do the same."

Forum: Has Government been too successful in trying to allay people's fear of Covid-19?​

Oct 23, 2021


When I recently visited an air-conditioned foodcourt which has a beer stall, I saw six people occupying three tables but facing one another to chit-chat while drinking beer, with the tables less than 1m apart (they had probably pulled the tables closer to one another).
In the same foodcourt, I also saw two persons standing beside a table with two others already seated there and sharing food.
There was no one at the entrance of the foodcourt ensuring check in via SafeEntry even though a desk was set up for that, let alone anyone checking rule-breakers.
I had previously reported the unmanned desk with an uploaded photo via OneService. And the reply from the Municipal Services Office was: "Enforcement alone cannot keep Singapore safe on a sustained basis. We hope everyone will play their part by observing the necessary measures, and reminding others to do the same."
It is true that enforcement alone cannot keep Singapore safe, but when this becomes an oft-repeated message, there will be people who will choose to completely disregard the rules.
As part of the living-with-Covid-19 strategy, the authorities have been telling Singaporeans that Covid-19 will become endemic like influenza over time.

While this may be true over time, I wonder if the Government has said this too early and been too successful in trying to allay the fears of people over Covid-19?

Luo Siao Ping

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Consumers, too, can play a role by making informed decisions when making food purchases and adopting good food safety practices."

Forum: Science-based and risk management approach taken to food safety​

Nov 20, 2021


We refer to Ms Tan Saw Bin's letter, "Have certified labels for inspected products" (Nov 15).
Food can potentially be contaminated anywhere along the supply chain, from the time it is produced to the time it is consumed. It is not practical to inspect or label all food in the market.
Similar to what the food safety authorities around the world do, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) adopts a science-based and risk management approach to food safety. This means that food that is more susceptible to food-borne diseases is subjected to more stringent checks.
SFA's food safety regime includes accreditation of sources of high-risk food, post-import sampling, inspection and testing. Both locally produced and imported food must meet SFA's food safety requirements. Products that do not meet safety standards will not be allowed for sale.
When a breach in food safety is detected, SFA will take measures to mitigate risks to consumers, such as recalling the affected products immediately.
SFA also works with other international regulatory agencies and conducts its own horizon scanning to keep abreast with developments that can have an impact on the safety of food sold in Singapore.

However, we need the combined efforts of the Government, the food industry and the consumer to ensure food safety.
While SFA regulates the food industry to ensure that it maintains high food safety standards that comply with our stringent requirements, the industry must also adopt good agricultural and manufacturing practices to ensure that its products are safe for consumption.
Consumers, too, can play a role by making informed decisions when making food purchases and adopting good food safety practices. Consumers can visit SFA's website for tips on safe food selection, handling and storing practices.

Abdul Jalil (Dr)
Senior Director
Joint Operations Division
Singapore Food Agency

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

King of cliches:

"As Singapore marks 50 years since its first Tree Planting Day, each and every Singaporean can do his or her part to keep the country green and sustainable, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Sunday."

"Businesses can also play their part, such as the 169 partners of the National Environment Agency's Say Yes To Waste Less campaign."

"Let us all play our part in building a cleaner and greener Singapore for tomorrow."

Everyone can do their part to keep Singapore clean and green: DPM Heng​

Singaporeans could keep the country green by taking part in the One Million Trees movement, said DPM Heng.
ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

David Sun

Nov 21, 2021

SINGAPORE - As Singapore marks 50 years since its first Tree Planting Day, each and every Singaporean can do his or her part to keep the country green and sustainable, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Sunday (Nov 21).
"The saplings planted 50 years ago have grown into beautiful trees with broad canopies and deep roots," he said.
"In the same way, the Clean and Green Movement can continue to broaden and deepen in the years ahead."
In a pre-recorded message from Mount Faber where one of Singapore's founding fathers, Dr Goh Keng Swee, planted a raintree at the first Tree Planting Day in 1971, DPM Heng said tree planting has become a cherished national tradition that has evolved and expanded into the Clean and Green Singapore movement which was launched on Sunday.
In his speech, he outlined how people can keep the country green, reduce waste and ensure the city remains clean.
He said Singaporeans could keep the country green by taking part in the One Million Trees movement which aims to plant more than a million trees here over the next decade.



They could also partake in the national gardening movement and the NPark's Gardening with Edibles programme, which saw some 460,000 seed packets distributed last year.
To reduce waste, DPM Heng said Singaporeans should buy only what they need and bring their own reusable bags and containers, while recycling regularly and correctly by depositing different materials in the correct bins and ensuring these are free of food contamination.
Businesses can also play their part, such as the 169 partners of the National Environment Agency's Say Yes To Waste Less campaign.
Keeping the city clean is also important.

DPM Heng said the pandemic has taught us the importance of hygiene and cleanliness.
Initiatives to encourage this include the Clean Tables Campaign launched earlier this year to remind diners to return their trays after meals.
During the launch of Clean and Green Singapore 2021 at Kampung Admiralty, DPM Heng presented 16 national awards to grassroots organisations for their efforts in public hygiene, cleanliness, resource conservation and energy efficiency.
He also planted a critically endangered Knema curtisii tree with Mayor of North West District Alex Yam.
They were joined by Minister of National Development Desmond Lee and Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Dr Amy Khor, who planted a Horsfieldia polyspherula.
The trees are from the nutmeg family.
The event also saw the launch of CGS Experiences, an online series of webinars with a live host that will bring participants through a virtual tour of sites of significant environmental interest.
Twenty sessions are available for public booking till March 31 next year.
DPM Heng concluded his speech on Sunday with a Chinese saying that meant trees planted by former generations will provide shade for future generations.
"Much like how young saplings planted in 1971 have flourished into a tree planting movement, what we build today will have a lasting effect for our future generations," said DPM Heng.
"Let us all play our part in building a cleaner and greener Singapore for tomorrow."

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Everyone can play a part to support rough sleepers in their journey to overcome homelessness." - Eric Chua

Forum: Everyone can play a part to support rough sleepers​

NOV 25, 2021, 3:00 AM SGT

I refer to the commentary "Helping the homeless beyond putting a roof over their heads" (Nov 16) by Dr Harry Tan and his team from the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore.
Indeed, homelessness is not merely a housing issue. Persons sleeping rough often face multiple interconnected issues. Besides housing, some issues rough sleepers contend with may include strained familial relationships, difficulties with employment, mental health conditions or a combination of these factors. We need to tailor our support for each rough sleeper.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) recognises that a whole-of-society approach, focusing on the well-being of rough sleepers, is needed.
This led to the formation of the Peers, or Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers, network in 2019. It formalises the partnership between community groups, social service and government agencies. Since then, the network has almost doubled in size, with 57 partners today, and we continue to welcome new partners.
In many areas, the community takes the lead in the network's efforts and the Government plays a supportive role. For example, some partners serve as befrienders, going on night walks to meet rough sleepers. When they are ready to accept assistance, our partners link them up with my colleagues from the Government to help.
Safe, Sound Sleeping Places is another key initiative in which community partners, including churches, mosques and temples, offer their premises to provide a safe environment for rough sleepers to rest, while exploring longer-term housing arrangements.

Everyone can play a part to support rough sleepers in their journey to overcome homelessness. Whether you are an individual, a community group or a company looking to give back to society, your act of kindness, big or small, will make a positive difference.
If you would like to join us, please contact me or my MSF colleagues. If you come across rough sleepers who may need support and/or shelter, please call the ComCare Hotline on 1800-222-0000, e-mail the Peers Office at [email protected] or submit a request via the Help Neighbour feature on the OneService app.

Eric Chua
Parliamentary Secretary
Ministry of Social and Family Development