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

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Cliches galore.

“The authorities will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant individuals and food and beverage premises,” it said.

“We urge everyone to play their part to protect their own health and that of others.”

Clarke Quay NY eve gathering: 4 to be charged over Covid-19 safety breaches, another 4 fined​

The event was captured on video and uploaded on social media. PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM TIKTOK

David Sun
Correspondent


JAN 24, 2022

SINGAPORE - Four youth who allegedly breached multiple safe management measures at a New Year's Eve party at Clarke Quay will be charged in court on Tuesday (Jan 25).
The four are aged between 19 and 22, said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Monday (Jan 24).
Another four people at the party on Dec 31 last year have been fined $1,000 each for breaching safe management measures.
The incident, which was captured on video and uploaded on social media, is believed to have involved hundreds in a spontaneous countdown party in front of Riverside Point.
The multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19 had said it involved blatant breaches of safe management rules, calling it a potential superspreading event.
Videos showed the rowdy crowd cheering, singing, celebrating and counting down to the New Year.
Many also had their masks pulled down.
One man was captured on video standing on an elevated platform, pouring liquid from a bottle into the crowd.

Staff of eateries in the area later told The Straits Times that trash, including alcohol bottles and beer cans, was strewn along the entire stretch the next morning.
A worker at a nearby convenience store said the crowd dispersed only at around 4am.
In its statement on Monday, the URA said enforcement agencies have been investigating the incident.
"Further investigations into other individuals are ongoing, and enforcement action will be taken against them if they are found to have breached any safe management measures, which are put in place to protect the public," said the statement.
“As we are still in the midst of a pandemic, it is important that everyone is socially responsible and complies with the prevailing safe management measures, such as a proper wearing of masks, maintaining a distance of 1m between each other and remaining in groups of five individuals or fewer.”
It added that agencies will be stepping up enforcement of the measures across the island in the lead up to Chinese New Year.
“The authorities will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant individuals and food and beverage premises,” it said.
“We urge everyone to play their part to protect their own health and that of others.”

 

[blackmondy]

The only part limpeh will play is the ladypart of a chiobu.

 

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DAC Yap, who has been in the force for 21 years, urged members of the public to play their part to fight scams.

Police's Anti-Scam Division busts 16 transnational syndicates​

In 2019, the police set up the Anti-Scam Centre to centralise investigations into scam-related crimes, disrupt scammers' operations and help mitigate victims' losses. PHOTO: ST FILE

David Sun
Correspondent

PUBLISHED

JAN 28, 2022

SINGAPORE - In just minutes, the money that victims transfer to a scammer will be quickly divided and dispersed to dozens of accounts in overseas banks.
As the scammers are also based outside Singapore in most instances, they can also withdraw the cash within hours, making recovery challenging.
"Once the money is out of Singapore, it will be very difficult for the police to recover the funds," said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Aileen Yap, assistant director of the Commercial Affairs Department's Anti-Scam Division.
Speaking to the media on Thursday (Jan 27), she said that while the police have built strong links with overseas law enforcement agencies, money transferred out of Singapore is as good as gone.
"While we have built strong links with overseas law enforcement agencies, recovery can still be very challenging because different jurisdictions have different legislation," she added.
In the recent case involving OCBC Bank customers, a couple related to The Straits Times how it took only 30 minutes for scammers to pilfer about $120,000 of their savings in a phishing scam.


DAC Yap said it is possible to claw back some of the funds if the monies are still in Singapore. But the odds diminish with each passing minute.
In 2019, the police set up the Anti-Scam Centre to centralise investigations into scam-related crimes, disrupt scammers' operations and help mitigate victims' losses.
Working with other stakeholders like banks, the police were able to claw back more than $160 million of the $700 million scammers took from victims in Singapore. They also froze more than 24,000 bank accounts believed to have been used by scammers.


Fund recovery has been a key task for the centre's officers, but with the increasing number of scams, DAC Yap said this has proven extremely challenging.
She said officers have had to work round the clock and make many personal sacrifices. This happened recently on Boxing Day last year, when the centre received a surge of reports.
"The centre is operating 24/7, but that day almost all my officers were recalled to handle the sheer load," she said.

Fund recovery has been a key task for the Anti-Scam Centre's officers, but with the increasing number of scams, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Aileen Yap said this has proven extremely challenging. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
The centre comes under the Anti-Scam Division, which was set up last year amid a continued rise in scam cases year-on-year. The division is part of the Commercial Affairs Department.
DAC Yap added: "They were recalled away from their families and plans so that we could help recover as much funds as possible. It is really not an easy job."
She said scammers are often part of organised syndicates that operate overseas and under the radar, making it almost impossible to track them down.


Last year, the police embarked on Project Icons (International Cooperation On Negating Scams) to deal with the problem.
This project focuses on intensive intelligence-sharing with overseas law enforcement agencies, she said.
Through protracted collaboration, 16 transnational syndicates were successfully busted and 230 syndicate members arrested.
"This is unprecedented and can be considered as a very big breakthrough," she said. She credited the strong partnership with overseas agencies including the Commercial Crime Investigation Department of the Royal Malaysia Police.
DAC Yap, who has been in the force for 21 years, urged members of the public to play their part to fight scams.
Those who suspect they are victims of scams must immediately alert the bank and lodge a police report.
“Fighting scams is a whole of community effort,” she said.
“Your vigilance is our first line of defence.”

 

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Police: "Everyone has a part to play in keeping Singapore safe and secure, especially during these uncertain times."

Scam victims in S'pore lost $633.3 million in 2021​

Police said at least 90 per cent of scams in Singapore originate from overseas. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
David Sun and Jessie Lim

Feb 16, 2022

SINGAPORE - Victims in Singapore lost at least $633.3 million to scams last year, the police said on Wednesday (Feb 16) in releasing the crime figures for 2021.
The sum lost is almost 2.5 times the $268.4 million stolen by scammers the previous year.
Police said at least 90 per cent of scams in Singapore originate from overseas, and described the scammers as syndicated, well-resourced and technologically sophisticated.
"Such cases are difficult to investigate and prosecute as our efforts will be dependent on the level of cooperation from overseas law enforcement agencies," they added.
When the monies stolen have been moved overseas, police said recovery is also difficult, adding that at the rate at which new scam variants are surfacing, "a discerning and well-informed public" is the best defence.
Job scams, which were not even among the top 10 scams in 2020, were the most common ruse last year with 4,554 cases, up from 132 the year before.
There are numerous variants in existence from fake mobile apps to persuading victims to purchase movie tickets and then resell them to earn a commission.

Victims are lured by the convenience of easy jobs which can purportedly be done remotely as well as the promise of high commissions.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Aileen Yap, assistant director of the Singapore Police Force's Anti-Scam Division, said the pandemic contributed to the increase in job scams.
"A lot of people lost their jobs. A lot of people are looking for part-time jobs to supplement household expenses," she told the media.

Investment scams accounted for the most amount of money stolen, with victims losing $190.9 million in total. The largest amount taken in a single case was $6.4 million.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Tan, who spoke in Parliament on Tuesday on the subject, said 5,020 of the 23,931 scams reported last year involved phishing scams.
There were only 16 phishing scam cases reported in 2017.

Commenting on the OCBC phishing scam which began last December, Mr Tan said:
"The use of a combination of highly-orchestrated tactics, involving spoofed SMSes appearing in the same thread as genuine messages from the bank and links directing victims to a scam website, as well as the large number of customers targeted in the OCBC scam, show that now, the threat is significantly heightened."
Aside from scams, police said they were also concerned about the increase in cyber extortion cases and reports of molestation on public transport.
In cyber extortion cases, criminals typically befriend victims online and coax them into performing compromising or indecent acts in front of a camera before extorting money from them.
Police said there were 420 cases in 2021, up from 245 the previous year. Victims of cyber extortion last year lost at least $1.3 million.

As for outrage of modesty, police said there were 1,480 cases last year, up from 1,321 cases in 2020.
Of the cases last year, 918 involved culprits known to the victim.
The police added that the number of outrage of modesty incidents on public transport remains a concern, with at least 148 such cases reported last year.
The culprits in these cases were unknown to victims.
Police said the 52.9 per cent increase in scam cases drove up the total number of reported cases in 2021, in a year which saw a decrease in physical crimes.
For example, theft and housebreaking reached a 37-year low in 2021.

"There were 250 days which were free from three confrontational crimes, namely snatch theft, robbery and housebreaking, an improvement of 48 days compared to 202 crime-free days in 2020," said the police.
They attributed the decline in physical crimes to crime prevention efforts, police presence and the use of technology such as police cameras.
Theft and its related crimes dropped by 8 per cent to 6,843 cases, while housebreaking and related crimes fell by 23.8 per cent to 160 cases last year.
"Criminals, including scammers, remain a threat to public safety and security," said the police.
"Everyone has a part to play in keeping Singapore safe and secure, especially during these uncertain times."

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Safety is a shared responsibility and we need everyone to do his part to keep our paths and roads safe."

Forum: Cyclists, PMD riders should slow down, stop and check traffic before using zebra crossings​

Feb 21, 2022

We refer to Forum writer Kor Choy Yim's letter (Should PMD riders, cyclists dismount at zebra crossings?, Feb 10) on safe practices at zebra crossings.
We hope all road users can follow Mr Kor's lead to slow down when approaching a zebra crossing and be alert at all times.
While cyclists and personal mobility device (PMD) users are not required to dismount at zebra crossings, they, too, must slow down, and stop and look out for oncoming traffic before crossing.
This improves safety for themselves as well as for other road users, who can then better anticipate their movement.
Mandating that cyclists and PMD riders dismount at crossings could introduce additional risks, particularly for those with pillion riders or who are carrying loads. Seniors may also find it challenging if they must dismount repeatedly.
Safety is a shared responsibility and we need everyone to do his part to keep our paths and roads safe. The Land Transport Authority will continue to work closely with the community and other agencies to promote safety awareness and civic responsibility.

Chan Boon Fui
Group Director, Active Mobility Group
Land Transport Authority

 

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Pedestrians can also play their part, such as by being attentive to their surroundings and watching out for faster-moving users.

Forum: Park Connector Network's path markings under review​

MAR 4, 2022

We refer to the letter "Markings on park connectors should be standardised" by Mr Lim Poh Seng (Feb 24).
Most of our park connectors are shared paths without any dividing lines. They may be used by pedestrians and device users, such as cyclists, motorised personal mobility device (PMD) users and power-assisted bicycle (PAB) users.
Users should keep to the left on shared paths. At selected locations where the park connectors are wide enough, they are segregated into footpaths and cycling paths.
Active mobility device users are advised to use cycling paths where available, while pedestrians are encouraged to stay on the footpaths. Device users should also keep to the respective speed limits of the paths.
The National Parks Board (NParks) is currently undertaking a review of the markings used on the Park Connector Network (PCN), in consultation with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and relevant stakeholders. More details will be released when ready.
Given the scarcity of land in Singapore, most park connectors will remain as shared paths without segregation.
Cyclists should ride safely and slow down to give way to pedestrians, especially in crowded areas. Pedestrians can also play their part, such as by being attentive to their surroundings and watching out for faster-moving users.

NParks will continue to work with stakeholders and the community to promote public awareness of PCN safety and etiquette to encourage more gracious user behaviour.
We will also continue to conduct outreach efforts and undertake joint enforcement with LTA against errant device users.
We seek the cooperation of all PCN users so that our park connectors can be enjoyed as safe and shared spaces for all.

Kartini Omar
Group Director, Parks Development and Jurong Lake Gardens
National Parks Board

 

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Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport: "I urge everyone to continue playing his or her part by adhering to rules and guidelines, be gracious, and look out for one another on the roads."

Cyclists, bus drivers swop roles to learn about each other's road safety challenges​

Cyclists sat in the bus driver's seat while drivers got to experience cycling on the road. PHOTO: GO-AHEAD SINGAPORE

Shermaine Ang

Apr 30, 2022

SINGAPORE - Steer clear of the blind spots of buses by not cycling alongside a bus.
This was one piece of advice given when 20 cyclists and bus drivers gathered on Saturday (April 30) in a session organised to promote mutual understanding among road users and drive road safety.
They learnt about good habits through scenario briefings and role-swopping to find out where dangers lurk and how to avoid them.
The session by bus operator Go-Ahead Singapore comes on the back of annual statistics which show that more people were killed or injured in road accidents last year, as more activities resumed amid the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
The Traffic Police said 107 people died on the roads last year compared with 83 in 2020.
Mr Daniel Corbin, operations director of Go-Ahead Singapore, said the session came about as there are more cyclists on the road since Covid-19 hit, sparking discussions about their safety.
Supported by the Land Transport Authority and Singapore Cycling Federation, the pilot session at Loyang Bus Depot went through scenarios such as cyclists not steering clear of the blind spots of buses, especially when the driver is negotiating a left bend at a slip road.

How to grow your money and career​

The driver's attention will be on the traffic on the major road and he may not spot the cyclist on the left side of the bus when he makes a turn.
Cyclists should also avoid positioning themselves at the left rear of a bus, and instead keep a distance of 1m behind the vehicle and stay in clear view of traffic.
At the two-and-a-half-hour session, role play allowed the participants to better understand the safety issues.


Cyclists sat in the bus driver's seat to find out what can and cannot be seen at the kerb side and directly in front of the bus, while bus drivers got to experience cycling on the road.
Mr Eugene Wang, vice-president for community and leisure at the Singapore Cycling Federation, said he learnt about the bus driver's blind spots.
"It was very new to me. I learnt that it's really important for us cyclists to be more aware of our surroundings on the road. Don't assume bus drivers can see you, or know what you are doing or thinking of."
He added: "We suggested adding more mirrors and sensors on the buses, but drivers would be overloaded. They already have to check so many things that I didn't think of before, they have to pay attention to the front, answer questions while driving, and they have to lean left and right to get a better view of the road, especially when the bus is packed and passengers are obstructing their view."
Chief bus captain Md Ahzman Tumin said one issue is when cyclists on single lane roads do not cycle in a single file, but three abreast, and hog the road, making it difficult for drivers to maintain a 1.5m distance between the side of the bus and cyclist.

At the two-and-a-half-hour session, role play allowed the participants to better understand the safety issues. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO


He added that this is a problem in areas with more cyclists and where there are road works.
He also said that some cyclists are not aware of the bus drivers' use of signal and hazard lights to inform other road users that they are turning or stopping.
But some bus drivers also do not signal when leaving the bus stop.
"It is important to communicate through signals and hand gestures, it's a two-way thing," he said.
"Everyone has to play a part to ensure road safety since we share the road."
Also present at Saturday's session was Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and chairman of the Active Mobility Advisory Panel.
"This awareness initiative by Go-Ahead Singapore will be beneficial to both bus drivers and cyclists, as safety is a collective responsibility of all road users," he said.
"I urge everyone to continue playing his or her part by adhering to rules and guidelines, be gracious, and look out for one another on the roads."

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"But beyond safety timeouts, which are only occasionally called for, preventing accidents requires everyone to do their part continuously."

Forum: Everyone has a part to play in workplace safety​

June 10, 2022

We refer to the letter, "Ensure safety timeouts are useful learning opportunities" (June 4) by Mr Lim Boon Khoon.
Workplace safety and health (WSH) is always a shared responsibility and requires a multi-layered approach to minimise workplace accidents.
The Ministry of Manpower conducts inspections, takes enforcement actions, and engages workers and employers to ensure WSH is taken seriously.
The recent safety timeout is another way to give strong emphasis to reviewing the risk assessment and safety control measures.
It also reinforces the focus on WSH, as pointed out by Mr Lim.
In addition, one important element of an effective safety timeout is the demonstration of commitment and urgency by company leadership. When workers see that their leaders and supervisors are serious in pursuing WSH, they are more likely to engage in safe work behaviours on the ground.
But beyond safety timeouts, which are only occasionally called for, preventing accidents requires everyone to do their part continuously.

Workers must adhere to safe work procedures and report lapses to their supervisors. Supervisors in turn must ensure that safety measures are in place before work starts and that safety lapses are rectified in a timely manner.
Company management must also take the lead in developing a strong WSH culture.
This can be done by providing resources for supervisors and workers to improve awareness and adopt safe practices, and thoroughly reviewing their safety protocols. These are demonstrations of taking WSH ownership.
The Government will continue to reinforce this ecosystem and introduce measures to further improve WSH, such as the recently announced plans to place more accountability on company management, through an upcoming Approved Code of Practice for Company Directors' WSH Duties.
With the support of all stakeholders, we will work towards building a sustainable WSH culture in Singapore.

Silas Sng
Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health
Ministry of Manpower
Christopher Koh
General Manager
Workplace Safety and Health Council

 

[Confuseous]

"But beyond safety timeouts, which are only occasionally called for, preventing accidents requires everyone to do their part continuously."

Forum: Everyone has a part to play in workplace safety​

June 10, 2022

We refer to the letter, "Ensure safety timeouts are useful learning opportunities" (June 4) by Mr Lim Boon Khoon.
Workplace safety and health (WSH) is always a shared responsibility and requires a multi-layered approach to minimise workplace accidents.
The Ministry of Manpower conducts inspections, takes enforcement actions, and engages workers and employers to ensure WSH is taken seriously.
The recent safety timeout is another way to give strong emphasis to reviewing the risk assessment and safety control measures.
It also reinforces the focus on WSH, as pointed out by Mr Lim.
In addition, one important element of an effective safety timeout is the demonstration of commitment and urgency by company leadership. When workers see that their leaders and supervisors are serious in pursuing WSH, they are more likely to engage in safe work behaviours on the ground.
But beyond safety timeouts, which are only occasionally called for, preventing accidents requires everyone to do their part continuously.

Workers must adhere to safe work procedures and report lapses to their supervisors. Supervisors in turn must ensure that safety measures are in place before work starts and that safety lapses are rectified in a timely manner.
Company management must also take the lead in developing a strong WSH culture.
This can be done by providing resources for supervisors and workers to improve awareness and adopt safe practices, and thoroughly reviewing their safety protocols. These are demonstrations of taking WSH ownership.
The Government will continue to reinforce this ecosystem and introduce measures to further improve WSH, such as the recently announced plans to place more accountability on company management, through an upcoming Approved Code of Practice for Company Directors' WSH Duties.
With the support of all stakeholders, we will work towards building a sustainable WSH culture in Singapore.

Silas Sng
Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health
Ministry of Manpower
Christopher Koh
General Manager
Workplace Safety and Health Council

They forgot to add in that they have "zero tolerance" in their SOP sermon!

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"With everyone doing our part to keep our paths safe, we can build a safe and inclusive transport system together."

Forum: Needs of all bus stop users have to be balanced​

Jul 9, 2022

We refer to Mr Hui Kong Leong's suggestion to install safety bollards at the sides of busy bus stops (Have bollards at the sides of bus stops to protect alighting commuters from cyclists, July 6).
The Land Transport Authority has been continuously improving accessibility at our public transport facilities to better serve all commuters, including the elderly, persons with disabilities and families travelling with young children.
As there is limited space around the bus stop, it is important to balance the needs of various user groups.
Instead of installing bollards, which would impede movement for parents with strollers, the elderly and those in wheelchairs, safety features have been implemented at the approach of selected bus stops to remind cyclists to slow down and watch out for pedestrians.
These include "Slow" markings, rumble strips or guiding lines to guide cyclists to cycle behind bus stops. We are also implementing new cycling paths islandwide, and where possible, will route them behind bus stops.
On their part, cyclists are reminded to be gracious and give way to more vulnerable users. When approaching crowded areas, they should slow down and, if necessary, dismount and push their devices.
With everyone doing our part to keep our paths safe, we can build a safe and inclusive transport system together.

Chan Boon Fui
Group Director, Active Mobility Group
Land Transport Authority

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Everyone has a part to play in upholding high standards of cleanliness and public health in Singapore blah, blah, blah...."

Forum: Strict enforcement action taken against those who are caught littering​

July 11, 2022

We agree with Mr Lim Teck Koon that littering is an environmental hazard (Act sternly against those who discard cigarette butts irresponsibly, July 8).
Everyone has a part to play in upholding high standards of cleanliness and public health in Singapore, and we are encouraged that many do bin their litter responsibly and some even participate in litter-picking activities.
By using litter bins properly and keeping Singapore clean, we are showing consideration to our fellow residents. Unfortunately, there are some people who remain irresponsible and litter.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) takes strict enforcement action against those who are caught littering. Under the Environmental Public Health Act, any individual who commits a littering offence is liable on conviction to a court fine of up to $2,000 for a first conviction, $4,000 for a second conviction and $10,000 for the third and subsequent convictions.
The court may also impose a Corrective Work Order, requiring offenders to clean public areas for up to 12 hours. These penalties are reviewed from time to time.
NEA has been focusing on making enforcement more efficient and effective, and we need the support of the community to foster collective responsibility and cultivate positive social norms.
We encourage and thank all stakeholders in the community who promote social graciousness and a greater sense of ownership in keeping Singapore clean.

These stakeholders include residents, schools, communities, and private and public organisations. Many of these stakeholders conduct ground-up activities such as litter-picking brisk walks, beach and park clean-up exercises, and cleaner appreciation days.

Tony Teo
Group Director, Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Contractors must also play their part in making sure approval is obtained for building works​

Aug 31, 2022

We thank Mr Raymond Tan Eng Teik for his letter, "Ensure that contractors are also responsible for seeking approval before erecting structures" (Aug 20).
The Micro Builders Association, Singapore, representing small and medium-sized (SME) contractors specialising in landed properties, understands Mr Tan's feedback.
Our members are fully aware of all of the authorities' requirements, and comply with the guidelines.
They will not accept any work that is illegal, as the risk of having their licences revoked would be very high.
The onus is on the home owners and registered qualified professionals to ensure approval from the authorities is in place before work begins on building the structures.
They must understand that if there is no approval, they can be asked by the authorities to remove the structures built.
Contractors must also play their part in making sure that approval is obtained before works are carried out.

All guidelines given by the authorities must be followed. Home owners, if unsure, can refer to the Urban Redevelopment Authority's residential handbooks for guidelines.
We look forward to seeing a collaborative approach to building projects from all parties and registered qualified professionals involved.

Ian Teo
President
Micro Builders Association, Singapore

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Residents are strongly encouraged to do their part to maintain a safe living environment by ensuring that fire safety provisions as well as means of escape are unobstructed.

Forum: Management corporations and residents play critical role in preventing fire hazards​

Sep 12, 2022

We refer to the Forum letter by Ms Anila Shukla, "Don't block access to emergency equipment" (Sept 8).
Fire safety provisions in residential premises are crucial for residents' safety and protection of property during a fire. Any obstruction to fire safety provisions such as hose reels or dry risers can hinder their usage, and seriously hamper firefighting efforts.
The management corporation strata title (MCST) is responsible for the management and regulation of common areas within a strata titled development, which includes ensuring compliance with fire safety requirements.
MCSTs are required to check the premises regularly and respond promptly to feedback on fire hazards, which include the obstruction of fire safety provisions. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will take enforcement action against MCSTs if the fire hazards are not abated.
SCDF has contacted the writer and inspected the condominium premises on Sept 9. We noted that the items obstructing the hose reel had been removed.
Residents are strongly encouraged to do their part to maintain a safe living environment by ensuring that fire safety provisions as well as means of escape are unobstructed. They can report fire hazards to their MCST. Alternatively, they can report them to SCDF via www.scdf.gov.sg, or through SCDF's myResponder app.


Tan Bang Xiang (Lieutenant-Colonel)
Senior Assistant Director
Corporate Communications Department
Singapore Civil Defence Force

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Members of the public can also play a part in fostering a safer road environment by reporting road defects or issues to LTA via the MyTransport.SG and OneService apps."

Forum: Road signs regularly checked, those in unsatisfactory condition replaced​

Dec 29, 2022

We thank Mr Wen Khai Meng for his feedback (Ensure expressway signs can be read from a distance at night, Dec 22).
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) regularly checks and maintains Singapore’s road infrastructure, including road signs. Those found to be in unsatisfactory condition, such as those that are faded or damaged, are replaced.
We also ensure the level of lighting on Singapore’s roads conforms to international standards of illumination.
In addition, roads signs are designed such that they reflect light from the headlights of cars without requiring illumination from other light sources.
In cases where foliage obscures road signs, we work with the relevant agency partner to take remedial action.
Members of the public can also play a part in fostering a safer road environment by reporting road defects or issues to LTA via the MyTransport.SG and OneService apps. This will allow us to investigate and rectify the issue more expeditiously.

Chandrasekar Palanisamy

Group Director, Traffic and Road Operations
Land Transport Authority

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

So many ah nehs holding director positions in LTA and all copy from each other: "...also have a part to play"

"Road users also have a part to play in ensuring smooth traffic for emergency vehicles."

Forum: Movement of emergency vehicles a key consideration with implementation of road changes​

JAN 5, 2023

We refer to the letter from Mr Wong Chung Jeu (Congestion due to North-South Corridor works shouldn’t affect emergency vehicles, Dec 27).
Ensuring the safety of all road users and those carrying out the construction work, while minimising disruption to stakeholders, is a key consideration in the planning of our works. Before any infrastructural works and traffic diversions, we engage stakeholders in the affected areas and implement mitigation measures as much as possible.
For the reconfiguration of Thomson-Newton-Moulmein junctions, we worked closely with key stakeholders during the planning stages. We engaged the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital and Thomson Medical Centre to seek their views on the changes and suggest possible alternative routes.
After the changes were implemented, we also provide them with timely updates on traffic conditions, such as incidents that may lead to traffic congestion and affect their emergency services. We are monitoring the traffic impact and our feedback channels closely, and will do more if necessary. We are grateful for the strong support from our partners.
We understand the inconvenience that these works may have caused to residents, such as Mr Wong. We seek stakeholders’ understanding that despite our planning and mitigation measures, there will always be some level of disamenity and inconvenience while works are in progress.
Road users also have a part to play in ensuring smooth traffic for emergency vehicles. We urge all road users to continue to be gracious and abide by traffic rules at all times, including giving way to emergency vehicles.

V. Venktaramana

Group Director, North-South Corridor
Land Transport Authority

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Patrick Ong: "The public must also do its part to deter overstaying. "

Forum: Rigorous, regular enforcement checks conducted to deter overstaying​

Feb 9, 2023

We refer to the letter by Mr Ang Ah Lay (Law enforcement agencies must do better to deter overstaying; Jan 31).
The law treats overstaying as a serious offence and the penalties are correspondingly severe – a jail term of up to six months, and a minimum of three strokes of the cane or a fine of up to $6,000. Arrested immigration offenders are also deported and barred from re-entering Singapore after sentencing and/or payment of fines.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) conducts rigorous and regular inland enforcement checks with other law enforcement agencies such as the Singapore Police Force to arrest offenders, including overstayers. This includes visiting the last known residential and employment addresses of foreigners who have remained in Singapore beyond the validity of their passes.
With the deployment of multi-modal biometrics checks in recent years, we have also been able to better detect foreigners with multiple identities or impersonated identities at our checkpoints and deny them entry. This minimises the risk of them entering Singapore and becoming immigration offenders subsequently.
We also take stiff actions against anyone who abets the offenders, whether knowingly or negligently. Harbourers or employers of immigration offenders face jail terms of up to 24 months and/or a fine not exceeding $6,000.
The public must also do its part to deter overstaying. Employers and home owners must exercise due diligence and ensure that a prospective foreign employee or tenant’s status in Singapore is legal, before offering employment or renting out their premises.
This includes checking their original immigration or work pass, cross-checking their particulars on their pass against their passport, and verifying the validity of their pass through the issuing authority’s website.

Members of the public should report suspected cases of immigration offenders to ICA at https://go.gov.sg/icafeedbackio

Patrick Ong
Head, Strategic Communications and Media Relations
Corporate Communications and Service Division
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"All of us have a part to play in removing barriers so that persons with disabilities can participate more fully in society."

Forum: All of us have a part to play in removing barriers to disability-inclusive society​

Mar 17, 2023

We thank Mr Isaac Neo Yi Chong for his views (More campaigns needed to raise awareness of disability rights, March 13).
Guide Dogs Singapore (GDS) has trained 11 guide dog-and-user teams since its inception, and there are now six working teams. Guide dogs offer increased mobility and independence to persons with visual impairment, and they are specially trained to help such persons travel safely and independently.
Guide dogs and their users undergo intensive training at GDS to follow safety regulations in public places. Guide dogs can be identified by the harness worn on their body, which may carry messages such as “Guide Dog at Work”.
As the focal agency for disability and inclusion in Singapore, SG Enable has worked with Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development to issue a joint circular, which can be found on SFA’s website, advising food establishments that guide dogs accompanying blind or visually impaired persons are permitted.
Besides food establishments, SG Enable also advocates greater inclusion at work and in the community by promoting a more understanding and mutually respectful culture.
We are heartened by efforts from organisations such as Esplanade and National Library Board, which have partnered SG Enable to make their spaces and programmes more inclusive to persons with disabilities.
Enabling Masterplan 2030, the national disability inclusion road map, also sets out recommendations to drive greater disability awareness and create inclusive physical and social environments.

All of us have a part to play in removing barriers so that persons with disabilities can participate more fully in society. Businesses or members of the public can contact SG Enable via www.sgenable.sg/get-in-touch for information and training on being a disability-inclusive business or employer.

Chia Ai Ling
Director, Communications and Community Engagement
SG Enable

 

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All S’poreans must do their part to achieve sustainable water supply: DPM Wong​

DPM Lawrence Wong (third right), with Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu (centre), playing a fishing game on Singapore World Water Day. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Shermaine Ang

Mar 18, 2023

SINGAPORE - With the world facing a water crisis, Singapore must not take what it has for granted as clean, fresh water is a precious resource, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday.
He was speaking at the Singapore World Water Day (SWWD) celebrations held at Marina Barrage and organised by the National Water Agency PUB. Also present were Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, and Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Amy Khor.
Mr Wong said that billions of people around the world struggle to get enough water, and within Asia, hundreds of millions still do not have access to clean and fresh drinking water.
The problem is likely to get worse, with experts expecting global demand for fresh water to outstrip the supply of fresh water by 40 per cent by the end of the decade due to over-depletion and mismanagement, he said.
While the Republic’s water situation has improved over the decades, more has to be done to ensure secure supplies for future demand, which is estimated to double over the next 30 years to meet growing population and economic needs, said Mr Wong.
Meanwhile, he added, climate change is making the weather even more extreme and unpredictable all around the world. Singapore is seeing unusually heavy rainfall, as well as more frequent and prolonged dry spells.
It must therefore continue to plan ahead, build up its infrastructure, and invest in new technologies to build a sustainable water supply, he said.


Mr Wong also recounted what his mother had told him about life in the 1950s and 60s. During a dry spell in 1963, water rationing was imposed for 10 months and water supply was cut off for as long as half a day, up to thrice a week.
This prompted the Government to price water properly to discourage over-consumption, and provide the right incentives to develop additional sources of clean water, he said.
He noted that apart from local catchment and imported water, Singapore now has NEWater and desalination – the “four national taps”.


He stressed the role of businesses and other organisations, which today take up more than half of Singapore’s water demand and will rise to two-thirds by 2065.
Over the years, he said, PUB has worked with businesses to implement water recycling projects and increase water efficiency.


From 2024, PUB will introduce mandatory water recycling for new projects in water-intensive industries, such as the wafer fabrication, electronic, and biomedical sectors.
SWWD participants The Straits Times spoke to stressed the importance of innovative solutions and public education.
Ms Joelle Chen, head of Sustainability in Asia at Lendlease, said the shopping mall, Jem, has a condensate recovery system that captures water condensation from air-conditioner units in the mall, which would otherwise drip into the building’s drainage system. The condensate water is used to chill the cooling towers.
Lendlease also does rainwater harvesting at all its malls, and has daily meter readings to spot spikes in usage that may indicate a leak.
Mr Marcus Lim, the co-founder of Ecosoftt, a company which helps buildings recycle water through “miniaturised NEWater systems”, said there is increasing interest from building and factory owners who want to reduce costs and meet environmental, social, and governance goals.
He gave the example of a semiconductor company which it helped to save 450m3, which costs 2.33 per m3, checking out to over $1,000 of savings per day.
The company also benefited from PUB’s Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration Fund, which incentivises innovative projects to treat industrial used water for process reuse.

DPM Lawrence Wong taking pictures with participants during the Singapore World Water Day at Marina Barrage. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Mrs Tan Sun Sun, principal of Mee Toh School, said the school’s Primary 5 pupils learn about water sustainability by visiting the NEWater Visitor Centre and conducting interviews on water usage habits. They also design prototypes to recycle used water, as well as create posters and videos to promote water conservation.
Ms Chong Mien Ling, PUB’s chief sustainability officer, said schools also conduct annual water rationing exercises where students and teachers experience the inconvenience of not having clean running water from a tap.
“This is to remind ourselves that we shouldn’t take clean and reliable source of water for granted,” she said.
Concluding his speech, Mr Wong said that collective efforts have enabled Singapore to come this far in its Water Story, and the Singapore Story.
“Let us continue to walk this journey together as active participants in nation building, as advocates for water conservation in Singapore, so that we can continue to overcome our challenges ahead and enjoy good, clean water in Singapore for many more decades to come.”

 

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“While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.”

32 fall ill with gastroenteritis symptoms at MindChamps pre-school in Changi Airport​

MindChamps said it was concerned with the health of the children, adding that it was fortunate that no individuals had to be hospitalised. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Wong Shiying

May 27, 2023

SINGAPORE – The authorities are investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis at a MindChamps pre-school in Changi Airport Terminal 3 that affected 28 students and four staff members.
They were reported to have developed gastroenteritis symptoms between May 17 and Monday. None of them were hospitalised, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Ministry of Health and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said in a joint statement on Saturday.
They added that food safety is a joint responsibility. “While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.”
MindChamps told Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao that some parents had contacted the pre-school between May 20 and May 21 after their children developed what appeared to be gastroenteritis symptoms.
MindChamps said it was very concerned with the health of the children, adding that it was fortunate that no individuals had to be hospitalised. It added that many of the affected children have recovered and returned to school.
This is not the first time an outbreak of gastroenteritis has happened at a MindChamps pre-school here. In 2019, 30 children and an employee developed gastroenteritis symptoms at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school, which saw two being hospitalised.

 

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But Mr (Lawrence) Wong stressed that the Gardens belongs to all Singaporeans and thus everyone had a part to play in its upkeep.

Botanic Gardens 'a shared responsibility'​

Lawrence Wong: Everyone has part to play in upkeep of Unesco World Heritage Site​

Visitors enjoying a concert at the Botanic Gardens over the jubilee weekend. Since the Gardens obtained its Unesco World Heritage Site status last month, it has seen a 35 per cent rise in the number of visitors. ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH, MARK CHEONG

Charissa Yong
US Correspondent


AUG 18, 2015

The number of visitors to the Singapore Botanic Gardens has risen 35 per cent since it was named the country's first Unesco World Heritage Site last month, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong told Parliament yesterday.
Therefore, he said, the National Parks Board (NParks) is increasing the number of heritage tours and stepping up public outreach efforts to ensure these visitors are informed about the Gardens' historical significance and rich heritage.
He was answering questions from Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tampines GRC) and Nominated MP Tan Tai Yong about measures being taken to protect the Gardens and educate the public about it.
On what is being done to preserve the 156-year-old landmark, Mr Wong outlined a series of measures the Government was taking. He said the Urban Redevelopment Authority has a comprehensive land-use planning framework to ensure new developments near the Gardens are compatible with it.
FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
It is their shared responsibility to upkeep it and pass on its legacy to future generations.
MINISTER FOR CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH LAWRENCE WONG, noting that the Botanic Gardens is for all Singaporeans to enjoy and look after
For instance, all new developments within a 1km radius of the Gardens' Bandstand must not be tall enough to be visible from the Bandstand.
Second, any future developments will be carefully designed and located so that visitors are spread more evenly across the Gardens, to protect more vulnerable heritage trees. The Government will also continue to seek advice from Unesco experts to ensure the site is well protected.
But Mr Wong stressed that the Gardens belongs to all Singaporeans and thus everyone had a part to play in its upkeep. He said: "It is their shared responsibility to upkeep it and pass on its legacy to future generations. We can visit often with our families and friends, so it can forever be cherished both as a place of historical significance and fond personal memories."

Mr Wong said Singaporeans who want to help out can volunteer with NParks. Its volunteer scheme covers a wide range of activities, such as gardening, conducting guided tours and helping curate and document herbarium specimens.
He added that there was also a World Heritage Site management committee that includes residents, experts and volunteers.
The committee will discuss future developments that lie within the boundaries of the Gardens.