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Highly-paid ministers and civil servants ask you to think for them

LITTLEREDDOT

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Paid millions and hundreds of thousands to organise and solicit ideas. And then take the credit for ideas that work.

URA to gather public views on land use strategies for long-term plans​

The URA is starting the second phase of its public engagement exercise, as part of a review of its long-term plans.


The URA is starting the second phase of its public engagement exercise, as part of a review of its long-term plans.

ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
tan_sue-ann.png

Sue-Ann Tan

Oct 11, 2021

SINGAPORE - From this month, members of the public can contribute their views on how Singapore can use its land in the long term in six virtual discussion sessions held by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
The URA said on Monday (Oct 11) that it is starting the second phase of its public engagement exercise, as part of a review of its long-term plans.
Previously known as the Concept Plan, the long-term plans will guide development over the next 50 years and beyond. They are reviewed every decade to take into account evolving trends and changing demands.
As part of the second phase, the URA boiled down the desired traits for the Singapore of the future to four key pillars - inclusive, adaptable and resilient, sustainable, and distinctive and endearing.
An inclusive Singapore means designing future neighbourhoods with a variety of quality and affordable housing for different demographics of residents, the URA said.
It also means better distribution of amenities and job opportunities near homes, with improved accessibility and mobility.

"It is important to ensure that our land use plans and our urban infrastructure provide spaces for everyone, and strengthen social inclusiveness and cohesion," said the authority.
Meanwhile, to build an adaptable and resilient Singapore, future workplaces and homes need to be designed, taking into account emerging economic and technological trends, especially in the light of the impact of Covid-19, the URA added.
The land use plans need to allow Singapore to respond to an increasingly complex and uncertain operating environment, while seizing future opportunities, it said.
Sustainability is also key, as Singapore has to find ways to optimise its limited resources and care for the environment, while addressing its needs.

"Possible land use strategies to balance development with nature, close our resource loops, advance our green economy, and support sustainable infrastructure will also be discussed," the URA said.
It noted that long-term liveability is important, especially with climate change. The land use plans need to ensure sustainability while balancing environmental, economic and social goals with limited land resources.
Lastly, Singapore has to be "distinctive and endearing", said the authority.
"Our city centre is also an important economic, cultural and social node that positions Singapore as a global hub," it said.
"Our land use plans need to strengthen Singapore's position as a distinctive destination and endearing home to ensure Singapore remains attractive to businesses and tourists while maintaining a strong sense of identity and familiarity among residents."
These plans will centre on ways to retain and celebrate Singapore's built and natural heritage, and enhance recreational areas and attractions.
This can also mean strategies to rejuvenate the city centre and the Central Business District.
The six virtual sessions to discuss the URA's plans will be held from Oct 24 to Dec 4.
The previous phase was held from July to September, during which more than 5,600 people responded to a public poll and some 200 people participated in workshops and dialogues.
The public can sign up for any of the sessions at this website.
 
Here we go again... the dictators have already made up their minds, but they're pretending to seek feedback and be a 'consultative' government.

So when some unpopular policy eventually gets implemented... 'public feedback was already sought, don't blame us'.

Don't fall for this scam, they have played the same trick for years. :rolleyes:

https://www.sammyboy.com/threads/th...ision-but-seek-public-feedback-anyway.305437/
 

Public invited to submit safety recommendations following fatal Tuas blast​

A mixer machine that ruptured its bottom has been linked to the explosion in Tuas on Feb 24 that killed three people.


A mixer machine that ruptured its bottom has been linked to the explosion in Tuas on Feb 24 that killed three people.PHOTO: ST FILE
Samuel Devaraj

Oct 13, 2021

SINGAPORE - The inquiry committee looking into the explosion in a warehouse in Tuas that killed three people is inviting members of the public to write in with recommendations to prevent the recurrence of such an accident at workplaces.
The invitation for recommendations follows the committee completing its first tranche of public hearings on Oct 7, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Wednesday (Oct 13).
Only measures related to two aspects linked to the incident should be recommended, the ministry said.
The first is measures to ensure the safe commissioning, operation, maintenance and repair of similar industrial machines.
Measures to ensure the safe supply, storage and handling of combustible dust or powders at similar workplace settings constitute the second aspect.
A mixer machine used to produce a clay-like material for a fire protection product has been linked to the Feb 24 explosion. Following the blast, the machine was found to have ruptured at the bottom.

The machine was purchased by Stars Engrg's director in August 2019 on the Alibaba online platform.
Recommendations from the public should be made by Oct 31.
The author's name, occupation, address, contact number and e-mail address must be included. If a recommendation is made on behalf of an organisation, a brief description of the organisation should also be included.
The author must also indicate whether he is willing to appear before the inquiry committee to give evidence if required, as well as state any financial or other interest that he or the organisation has in the committee's terms of reference.
The recommendations should be e-mailed to MOM's Audrina Chua or Delvinder Singh.
They can also be mailed to Occupational Safety and Health Division, 1500 Bendemeer Road, #03-02 MOM Services Centre, Singapore 339946.
The inquiry committee will be holding its second tranche of hearings from Nov 15 to 19 at Court 8A of the State Courts.
 
Here is a suggestion:

Convert all freehold and 999 year leases to 99 year lease.
The land crunch will be tight and more so in 100 year's time. Time to act is now!

But knowing full well PAP only works for their own selfish benefit, don't hold your breath they will ever do this.
Thieves never give away their loot.
 

Online survey to gather public views on new housing model for BTO flats in prime areas​

The survey, conducted on Reach's public consultation portal, will close on June 30.


The survey, conducted on Reach's public consultation portal, will close on June 30.ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
michelle_ng.png

Michelle Ng

MAY 31, 2021

SINGAPORE - Singapore residents will be able to share their views on the new public housing model for flats located in prime locations by participating in an online survey by the Ministry of National Development (MND) from Monday (May 31).
The model, which is still in the works, aims to keep Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in prime areas - such as the city centre and Greater Southern Waterfront - affordable and inclusive for Singaporeans.
It was first mooted by National Development Minister Desmond Lee in December.
In a Facebook post on Monday, the MND said it hopes to "jointly create" the new housing model with the public.
The survey, conducted on government feedback unit Reach's public consultation portal, will close on June 30. It is accessible at this link.
People can also write in to the MND at [email protected].



Suggestions previously raised include selling these new flats with shorter leases, imposing a longer minimum occupation period before the units can be sold or rented out, and limiting resale only to the Housing Board, which can then resell them at an affordable price.
Mr Lee said each of these suggestions has its merits and trade-offs, with no straightforward way to deal with the challenges at hand.
The Government is building a diverse range of flat types in prime areas, including two-room flexi flats and rental housing where possible, to offer Singaporeans of different income levels the chance to live in these prime locations and reflect the diversity of Singapore's society, Mr Lee added.
Additional subsidies will be provided when purchasing these prime flats, on top of what is already granted today, to ensure that they remain affordable not just at the BTO launch stage but also to subsequent buyers.
But in the interest of fairness, Mr Lee said the Government may have to find a way to recover some of these additional subsidies provided for flats in prime locations.
The MND said it has plans to share the results of the online survey further down the line, although it still working out the details and format on how this will be done.
 

Most S'poreans want HDB priority schemes removed, buyers limited for resale flats in prime areas: MND report​

More than 7,500 Singaporeans have weighed in on how to keep new HDB flats in prime areas such as the Greater Southern Waterfront inclusive.


More than 7,500 Singaporeans have weighed in on how to keep new HDB flats in prime areas such as the Greater Southern Waterfront inclusive.PHOTO: URA
michelle_ng.png

Michelle Ng

Oct 20, 2021

SINGAPORE - Removing Housing Board priority schemes and limiting those who can buy prime HDB resale flats on the open market are two ideas the majority of Singaporeans support to keep public housing in prime areas accessible and affordable.
The majority of Singaporeans also feel that owners should not be allowed to rent out the whole HDB flat after the five-year minimum occupation period (MOP), according to a report released by the Ministry of National Development (MND) on Wednesday (Oct 20).
More than 7,500 Singaporeans have weighed in on how to keep new HDB flats in prime areas, such as the city centre and Greater Southern Waterfront, inclusive since plans to do so were announced in November last year.
Public engagements to gather feedback and suggestions on the plans ended last month.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said: "It is encouraging that Singaporeans have taken a very keen interest in this issue, and we thank all who have generously shared their perspectives and ideas. These suggestions have enriched our policy-thinking in developing the new public housing model, one that has been in the works for some time."
A new public housing model for HDB flats in prime locations will be announced soon, Mr Lee added.

It will apply only to future public housing in prime locations, not existing flat owners.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of National Development (MND) released a report on the findings collected during the 10-month public consultations.
The majority of Singaporeans believe the Government should introduce new policy conditions for prime HDB flats and that it would be fair to do so, said MND.
This is so that these flats will be kept affordable at the point of purchase for first-time buyers and for subsequent resale buyers, it added.

This could mean the removal of HDB priority schemes, which the majority of participants are in favour of.
A priority scheme enhances some applicants' chances in the computer ballot for flat applications.
One of these schemes is the Married Child Priority Scheme, which gives priority to applicants whose parents live in the same area. Currently, up to 30 per cent of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats are set aside for first-timer families under this scheme.
If the scheme is removed, it would mean that every eligible buyer has an equal chance of balloting for the flats.

Another policy condition could take the form of limiting the pool of buyers who can buy prime-area HDB resale flats, which the majority of participants are also in favour of.
For instance, this could mean an income ceiling cap on prime HDB resale flat buyers.
A majority of participants were in favour of imposing a longer MOP period than the current five years to ensure that the buyers are people who genuinely want to live in the flat for the long term.
Others felt that shorter leases than the current 99-year lease and smaller unit sizes could make the flats more affordable, said MND.
Asked to define what makes a prime housing location, the participants cited good transport links and being near the central business district as among the top attributes, said MND.

There were, however, some disagreements on other suggestions.
While many were supportive of additional government subsidies to keep the prime HDB flats affordable and for the Government to recover these monies after the flats are resold, some felt these subsidies were not fair as buyers should be prepared to pay a higher price for a home in a premium location.
While some participants preferred the Government to buy back these flats and not allow owners to resell them on the open market to earn a windfall, there were mixed views on what a fair pricing mechanism should be.
Others preferred to be able to sell these flats on the open market, where prices can be negotiated between buyer and seller, said MND.
Other suggestions to reduce the "lottery effect" when reselling prime HDB flats include implementing a capital gains tax and channelling resale proceeds to the sellers' CPF Special Account.
Mr Lee had previously said that a variety of flat types, such as two-room flexi units and rental housing, will be included when housing plans in prime areas are being drawn up.
 

Govt launches online survey seeking views on how to rejuvenate heartland shops​

dw-shops-220203.jpg

The survey aims to gather suggestions on how to refresh HDB shops while preserving their heritage and cultural value in local communities. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
michelle_ng.png


Michelle Ng
Housing Correspondent


FEB 3, 2022

SINGAPORE - Singapore residents can contribute ideas and views on how to breathe new life into Housing Board (HDB) heartland shops by participating in an online survey by the Ministry of National Development from Thursday (Feb 3).
The aim of the survey is to seek suggestions on how to rejuvenate these shops while preserving their heritage and cultural value in local communities, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee in a Facebook post on Thursday.
"As Singaporeans' needs evolve, we must explore ways to continually rejuvenate and refresh our heartland shops so that they remain relevant, vibrant and endearing to our community. This is especially so in the face of the rise of online shopping."
Heartland shops, which are often located in or near housing estates, provide convenient and affordable options for residents to get their daily essential goods and services and reflect the distinctive character and identity of the neighbourhoods, he added.
"There are trades or local food unique to shops in specific neighbourhoods, which make them especially endearing," said Mr Lee.
"I'm sure many of us take great pride in introducing friends and family to well-known shops and popular eateries in our neighbourhood, including favourite bubble tea or confectionery shops."
These shops also serve a social purpose, functioning as spaces where residents can meet and interact with one another, he added.

"These shops, especially social enterprises, can also provide opportunities for local and inclusive employment for the community, or even a space for budding entrepreneurs."
HDB has around 15,000 shops spread out across town centres, neighbourhood areas and precinct shop clusters that are either rented out by the Board or owned by private operators.
Last January, the HDB had launched a tender for an eight-month project to look into the social and economic value of HDB shops and the benefits they can bring to local communities, along with the impact Covid-19 has had on these shops.
Mr Yeo Hiang Meng, president of The Federation of Merchants’ Associations, said it is timely for a review as heartland businesses are the heart of the neighbourhoods, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic where many people are working from home.
Residents who usually do not explore their own neighbourhood have started venturing into heartland shops to see what is on offer and businesses should capitalise on that, he said.
“Even if you’re a traditional stationery shop or a small food stall, people should at least be able to find you on Google to see your opening hours and what you’re selling,” said Mr Yeo.
Clearer way-finding signages and brighter lighting may also help increase footfall to heartland shops, he added.
There has been a ongoing drive by the authorities to help smaller businesses keep pace with digitalisation.
As at November last year, more than 13,000 heartland merchants have adopted e-payment platforms.
Ms Anna Xie, 42, owner of children’s clothing shop Tiny Heart Cottage, has adopted various cashless payment platforms over the last two years in the outlet in Oasis Terrace, a HDB neighbourhood centre in Punggol.
She has another outlet in Nex shopping mall in Serangoon.
“Business is better at the Oasis Terrace outlet because rent is cheaper so profit margin is higher,” she said.
“There are many families living in the area so there’s a steady stream of parents dropping their kids off for tuition or buying food and will shop for kids’ clothes at the same time. So I get many repeat customers.”
Ms Lim Xiu Ru, a lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Business, said one of the broad trends post-pandemic is the need for social connections and heartland shops can step up to fill that gap.
“Not all heartland shops want or have the ability to compete on e-commerce platforms and that’s okay, depending on their target market,” she said.
“Beyond just being a place of business, heartland shops have an element of sincerity and familiarity that big-name malls cannot replicate.”
 
SLA paid for what?
Ask Liu, before he is gone with limited time.
 

Govt launches online survey seeking views on how to rejuvenate heartland shops​

dw-shops-220203.jpg

The survey aims to gather suggestions on how to refresh HDB shops while preserving their heritage and cultural value in local communities. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
michelle_ng.png


Michelle Ng
Housing Correspondent


FEB 3, 2022

SINGAPORE - Singapore residents can contribute ideas and views on how to breathe new life into Housing Board (HDB) heartland shops by participating in an online survey by the Ministry of National Development from Thursday (Feb 3).
The aim of the survey is to seek suggestions on how to rejuvenate these shops while preserving their heritage and cultural value in local communities, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee in a Facebook post on Thursday.
"As Singaporeans' needs evolve, we must explore ways to continually rejuvenate and refresh our heartland shops so that they remain relevant, vibrant and endearing to our community. This is especially so in the face of the rise of online shopping."
Heartland shops, which are often located in or near housing estates, provide convenient and affordable options for residents to get their daily essential goods and services and reflect the distinctive character and identity of the neighbourhoods, he added.
"There are trades or local food unique to shops in specific neighbourhoods, which make them especially endearing," said Mr Lee.
"I'm sure many of us take great pride in introducing friends and family to well-known shops and popular eateries in our neighbourhood, including favourite bubble tea or confectionery shops."
These shops also serve a social purpose, functioning as spaces where residents can meet and interact with one another, he added.

"These shops, especially social enterprises, can also provide opportunities for local and inclusive employment for the community, or even a space for budding entrepreneurs."
HDB has around 15,000 shops spread out across town centres, neighbourhood areas and precinct shop clusters that are either rented out by the Board or owned by private operators.
Last January, the HDB had launched a tender for an eight-month project to look into the social and economic value of HDB shops and the benefits they can bring to local communities, along with the impact Covid-19 has had on these shops.
Mr Yeo Hiang Meng, president of The Federation of Merchants’ Associations, said it is timely for a review as heartland businesses are the heart of the neighbourhoods, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic where many people are working from home.
Residents who usually do not explore their own neighbourhood have started venturing into heartland shops to see what is on offer and businesses should capitalise on that, he said.
“Even if you’re a traditional stationery shop or a small food stall, people should at least be able to find you on Google to see your opening hours and what you’re selling,” said Mr Yeo.
Clearer way-finding signages and brighter lighting may also help increase footfall to heartland shops, he added.
There has been a ongoing drive by the authorities to help smaller businesses keep pace with digitalisation.
As at November last year, more than 13,000 heartland merchants have adopted e-payment platforms.
Ms Anna Xie, 42, owner of children’s clothing shop Tiny Heart Cottage, has adopted various cashless payment platforms over the last two years in the outlet in Oasis Terrace, a HDB neighbourhood centre in Punggol.
She has another outlet in Nex shopping mall in Serangoon.
“Business is better at the Oasis Terrace outlet because rent is cheaper so profit margin is higher,” she said.
“There are many families living in the area so there’s a steady stream of parents dropping their kids off for tuition or buying food and will shop for kids’ clothes at the same time. So I get many repeat customers.”
Ms Lim Xiu Ru, a lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic’s School of Business, said one of the broad trends post-pandemic is the need for social connections and heartland shops can step up to fill that gap.
“Not all heartland shops want or have the ability to compete on e-commerce platforms and that’s okay, depending on their target market,” she said.
“Beyond just being a place of business, heartland shops have an element of sincerity and familiarity that big-name malls cannot replicate.”
Get statues of Trump, Biden to throw shits at them... for a start...
 
build a stadium with a firing range, all serious crimes (violent or scamming above $1 million) will be executed by firing
viewing open to public......wait a minute, i forgot CPF could be implicated......
cancel! cancel !this plan cannot approve, hahahaha
 
evil scum li shien loon realised that he had alienate and antagonised large number of sinkies with its vaccination policies. Now
has to pretend to be very accommodative , using such ruse as seeking public feedback on national issues. Just a cunning trick to placate the gullible.
 
the best part is, many times after you speak with them and they tell you they are not interested in your ideas, a few months later, the govt announces something that was exactly your idea.

to the younger ones here - Never give them ideas, they will steal it and claim credit. Many old birds have been caught out and fooled
 

Wanted: Design proposals on how Singapore's north-western coast can be protected from sea-level rise​

ads-sungeibuloh-20052022.jpg

PUB is looking for solutions tailored to different parts of Singapore's coast, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. PHOTO: ST FILE
ct.png


Cheryl Tan


MAY 20, 2022

SINGAPORE - National water agency PUB is moving to beef up Singapore's defences against the rising tides in a way that is flexible and sensitive to the land-use needs of the area.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, such as building sea walls all around the country, PUB is looking for solutions tailored to different parts of the country's coastline.
PUB on Friday (May 20) started calling for proposals that could possibly be adapted to protect a 17.1km stretch of the coastline in Singapore's north-west. For the first time, applicants have been asked to submit design proposals for how such protection measures can be incorporated.
This segment of the coast encircles the Sungei Kadut and Lim Chu Kang areas, which will house the future Sungei Kadut Eco-District, the upcoming Lim Chu Kang high-tech agri-food cluster, and a number of nature areas such as the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Recognising that rising sea levels pose a major threat to Singapore, the proposed coastal protection solutions should cater to a rise of up to 5m in sea levels and rainfall projected due to climate change, said PUB in its tender documents.
Studies are ongoing to tease out the impacts of global climate change on the rate of sea-level rise in Singapore under research efforts, such as the National Sea Level Programme, and other site-specific studies on Jurong Island and the city-east coast stretch
The latest call for proposals aims to supplement the information gleaned from those studies, by looking at various coastal protection measures that can be deployed to sites with different characteristics and land-use plans.

For instance, key landmarks in the north-western area that require protection include the Woodlands Checkpoint, Kranji Reservoir and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, as well as several nature parks including Kranji Coastal Nature Park and the upcoming Lim Chu Kang Nature Park and Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat Nature Park.
Ms Hazel Khoo, director of PUB's Coastal Protection Department, said: "In view of these site characteristics and landmarks, (there are some) key considerations for the coastal protection strategies and measures."
The 17.1km coastline comprises three main segments.

They include a 7km stretch that currently encircles many mangrove-rich nature areas and agricultural land, which will be redeveloped into a high-tech agri-food cluster; a 3.3km stretch that covers an industrial zone and also an upcoming nature park; and a 6.8km stretch that incorporates the Woodlands Checkpoint and some nature zones including the Rail Corridor.
Said Ms Khoo: "There is a need to place more emphasis on conceptual design to achieve a sustainable and liveable coastline."
One example could be floodable parks, where an area is designed to store water temporarily during heavy rain. During dry weather, they serve as recreational green spaces.

Among the proposal documents required is a detailed outline of the applicant's design intent and approach, a list of possible measures suitable for the three different study zones, as well as artists' impressions and cross-sectional sketches envisioning the future coastline, Ms Khoo said.
Up to four pre-qualified applicants will be shortlisted to participate in the second stage of the tender, which is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of this year.
The study for this section of the north-west coast is expected to commence in the second quarter of next year and conclude by 2030.
ONLINE-220520---CoastalProtection-ctnadapt20-ol.jpg

With about 30 per cent of the island being less than 5m above sea level, Singapore is vulnerable to the effect of rising sea levels.
Based on the second national climate change study by the Centre for Climate Research Singapore, it was projected that by 2100, the mean sea levels for Singapore could rise by up to a metre.
Coupled with phenomena such as storms brewing offshore that generate surges in tidal heights as well as factors such as sinking land, sea levels could be even higher and up to 4m or 5m.
 
Paid millions and hundreds of thousands to organise and solicit ideas. And then take the credit for ideas that work.

URA to gather public views on land use strategies for long-term plans​

The URA is starting the second phase of its public engagement exercise, as part of a review of its long-term plans.


The URA is starting the second phase of its public engagement exercise, as part of a review of its long-term plans.

ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
tan_sue-ann.png

Sue-Ann Tan

Oct 11, 2021

SINGAPORE - From this month, members of the public can contribute their views on how Singapore can use its land in the long term in six virtual discussion sessions held by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
The URA said on Monday (Oct 11) that it is starting the second phase of its public engagement exercise, as part of a review of its long-term plans.
Previously known as the Concept Plan, the long-term plans will guide development over the next 50 years and beyond. They are reviewed every decade to take into account evolving trends and changing demands.
As part of the second phase, the URA boiled down the desired traits for the Singapore of the future to four key pillars - inclusive, adaptable and resilient, sustainable, and distinctive and endearing.
An inclusive Singapore means designing future neighbourhoods with a variety of quality and affordable housing for different demographics of residents, the URA said.
It also means better distribution of amenities and job opportunities near homes, with improved accessibility and mobility.

"It is important to ensure that our land use plans and our urban infrastructure provide spaces for everyone, and strengthen social inclusiveness and cohesion," said the authority.
Meanwhile, to build an adaptable and resilient Singapore, future workplaces and homes need to be designed, taking into account emerging economic and technological trends, especially in the light of the impact of Covid-19, the URA added.
The land use plans need to allow Singapore to respond to an increasingly complex and uncertain operating environment, while seizing future opportunities, it said.
Sustainability is also key, as Singapore has to find ways to optimise its limited resources and care for the environment, while addressing its needs.

"Possible land use strategies to balance development with nature, close our resource loops, advance our green economy, and support sustainable infrastructure will also be discussed," the URA said.
It noted that long-term liveability is important, especially with climate change. The land use plans need to ensure sustainability while balancing environmental, economic and social goals with limited land resources.
Lastly, Singapore has to be "distinctive and endearing", said the authority.
"Our city centre is also an important economic, cultural and social node that positions Singapore as a global hub," it said.
"Our land use plans need to strengthen Singapore's position as a distinctive destination and endearing home to ensure Singapore remains attractive to businesses and tourists while maintaining a strong sense of identity and familiarity among residents."
These plans will centre on ways to retain and celebrate Singapore's built and natural heritage, and enhance recreational areas and attractions.
This can also mean strategies to rejuvenate the city centre and the Central Business District.
The six virtual sessions to discuss the URA's plans will be held from Oct 24 to Dec 4.
The previous phase was held from July to September, during which more than 5,600 people responded to a public poll and some 200 people participated in workshops and dialogues.
The public can sign up for any of the sessions at this website.

Yet if those same public servants were to draft land use plans on their own, oppies would complain that they had no voice in shaping government policy. There's no pleasing oppies.
 
Wah pian, got to set up a panel to understand Sinkies' needs, define "unacceptable noise" blah blah blah....

Forum: Advisory panel seeks public views for recommendations report on noisy neighbours​


Jul 14, 2022

I refer to the recent letters and Straits Times commentary on neighbourhood noise (Dealing with noisy neighbours from hell, July 3).
Since the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) on Neighbourhood Noise was convened, many people have come forward to share their experiences with neighbourhood noise. In many cases, noise disputes were resolved amicably when people approached their neighbours to discuss the issue.
Some others, however, may not have been as fortunate. We empathise with the various situations that residents face in dealing with neighbours whose activities generate noise so disruptive that they are unable to work or rest properly in their own homes.
Unfortunately, noise is subjective. People have different tolerance levels for noise and varying definitions of what constitutes unacceptable noise. It is thus challenging for government agencies to respond with enforcement.
We have observed from our public engagements that noise thresholds tend to be highly contextualised depending on specific factors - for example, frequency, duration, state of mind, or the relationship between the parties involved.
The CAP was therefore convened to help define unacceptable noisy behaviours and recommend community norms. This is the first step in establishing common reference points to guide residents' behaviour, and to empower residents in resolving their disputes among themselves.
In the event that the issues cannot be resolved among residents, the relevant agencies can use these norms as a reference for downstream interventions, such as mediation at the Community Mediation Centre, or in assessing claims with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal.

The panel is also considering what more can be done, and will be making further recommendations in our report.
To propose a set of community norms that is truly representative of societal consensus, it is vital for us to consult widely. We need to understand the needs of the various segments of our society, how residents define unacceptable noise, and the actions they are willing to adopt in addressing noise concerns on the ground.
We hope that the public can support the work of the panel.
I encourage those who have not contributed their views to do so by responding to the the online survey (go.gov.sg/neighbourhoodnoisesurvey) or signing up for our focus group discussions (go.gov.sg/neighbourhoodnoisefgd).
Together, we can build a kinder and more tolerant and considerate Singapore.

William Wan (Dr)
Chairperson of Community Advisory Panel on Neighbourhood Noise
 

Five suggestions to improve COE system​

rrcoecurtainraiser2207.jpg


The industry says sellers have an interest to keep COE prices low, as spikes often entail costly subsidies on their part. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
christopher.png



Christopher Tan
Senior Transport Correspondent

Jul 22, 2022

SINGAPORE - Amid record certificate of entitlement (COE) prices, there have been calls for the vehicle quota system to be tweaked, with changes ranging from banning car dealers from bidding to requiring bidders to pay what they bid for.
These suggestions are not entirely new, and have been made over the course of the 32-year-old auction system.
The Straits Times examines the merits of five popular suggestions.

1. Pay as you bid​

Successful bidders currently pay the price of the lowest successful bid, which some say encourages a degree of recklessness.
Requiring bidders to pay exactly what they bid is not a new suggestion. Mr Gerard Ee made that call when he was Automobile Association of Singapore head in 1997.
But a Government-appointed review committee rejected that in 1999, saying such a system could become "an additional source of discontent among bidders".
The call was repeated in earnest in 2013, by a review group led by transport researcher Lee Der-Horng. Again, it was rejected by the Government, which said such a system - also called the Dutch auction system - could result in even higher prices.

Dr Lee, an Academy of Engineering Singapore fellow, said he is still in favour of a pay-as-you-bid system.
"This will make bidders be more cautious when bidding," he added.

2. Banning car sellers from bidding​

Ever since the system started in 1990, motor dealers have dominated bidding.


Today, practically all bids are made by dealers. Some observers say this promotes aggressive bidding, and have called repeatedly for sellers to be banned from bidding.
The motor industry, however, points out that the majority of buyers require a loan when buying a car, and the loan is packaged with COE.
Separating the two will prove challenging for some consumers. They add that individuals may not have the financial ability to bid for COEs, which for a start, requires a $10,000 deposit.
The industry also says sellers have an interest to keep COE prices low, as spikes often entail costly subsidies on their part.
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The call to ban dealers from bidding was part of the 2013 review. It was also rejected.
Dr Lee said: "Motor traders give a lot of reasons for not supporting this idea, but I think they can be overcome without much difficulty. People here are now more tech-savvy, for instance.
"The car price should be for the car itself, rather than containing the COE element. This will make it more transparent for buyers who walk in with a COE in hand."

3. Removing taxis from bidding​

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The taxi population was sizeable and could influence prices whenever fleet owners had to renew their vehicles. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
There have been calls since the early days of the quota system for taxis to be removed from COE bidding, since the taxi population was sizeable and could influence prices whenever fleet owners had to renew their vehicles.
In 2012, when Mr Lui Tuck Yew was Transport Minister, the call was heeded.
But soon after, private-hire players started flooding the market. These players are de facto taxi operators, and their combined fleet size is now treble the taxi fleet size.
Industry watchers say these too should likewise be removed from bidding. Instead, their fleet size should be capped, and they should, like taxi firms, pay the prevailing quota premium - a three-month moving average - instead of competing with car buyers for fresh COEs. The Government has yet to respond to this call.
Dr Zafar Momin, a former automotive expert at Boston Consulting Group who has since retired, said: "Private-hire cars are used for business purposes and having them compete in the same pool as car buyers does not make sense. They should be treated separately."

4. Dropping the Open category​

COEs in the Open category can theoretically be used for any vehicle type except motorcycles. But in reality, they end up almost exclusively for bigger cars.
And unlike other car COE categories, Open certificates are transferable, which creates a secondary market for them, that in turn fuels speculative bidding.
In recent years, Mr Neo Nam Heng, chairman of diversified motor group Prime, has been calling for the Open category to be removed, and its COEs redistributed to the other respective categories.
He reasons that the Open category has outlived its usefulness as a "safety valve" because tenders are now conducted twice a month, instead of once a month in the early years.

Removing the Open category takes away the element of speculation, and should ease prices. The Government has yet to respond to this proposal.
Dr Momin, who also sits on the Petronas Chemicals Group board, is in favour of removing the Open category and redistributing its certificates.
He said that Category B should also be split into two parts, so as to separate "the very expensive luxury cars from mass market cars with engines above 1.6 litres".
"Currently, they are all lumped together, and the price-insensitive buyers of luxury cars drive up the prices out of reach for other buyers."
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5. Having a separate category for EVs​

Since electric cars started becoming more widely available here five years ago, it has been pointed out that most fall into Category B, which is for bigger and more powerful cars, and is now significantly costlier than Category A (for smaller cars).
The price gap between categories A and B (and Open) is around $30,000 now - one of the widest it has been since the 1990s.
There had been calls from various parties for a separate COE category for electric vehicles (EVs).
But this was rejected because it would result in smaller categories all round, which will lead to higher prices. Also, it is difficult to formulate a quota size for EVs since the availability is still growing.
But from May this year, Transport Minister S. Iswaran tweaked the system to allow EVs with up to 110kW of power to come under Category A, as opposed to the previous blanket power cap of 97kW. This has moved a few more models over to Category A, but the bulk remains in Category B.
Dr Momin, who is also a former adjunct professor at Nanyang Business School, reckons that if Category B could be split into two, EVs of a certain power rating - say, below 170kW - could be placed together with mass market cars with above 1,600cc engines.
"Leaving them in a broad Category B category makes them very expensive," he added.
 
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