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

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#1
"We urge both the public and business operators to continue to play their part in adhering to the safe distancing measures that have been put in place," a URA spokesman said.

Robertson Quay incident: Six men and one woman to be charged for flouting circuit breaker measures

The park connector along Robertson Quay on May 17, 2020.ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Clara Chong

SINGAPORE - Six men and one woman, aged between 30 and 52, will be charged in court next Tuesday (June 2) for flouting circuit breaker regulations.
They are linked to the incident where groups of people were seen gathering at various places in the Robertson Quay area on May 16, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said on Saturday.

These seven individuals will be charged under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.

"We take such breaches very seriously and will not hesitate to take action," Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said in a Facebook post on Saturday.

Earlier this month, photos of crowds along Robertson Quay had circulated on social media, showing people failing to stay at least 1m from one another in the riverside dining enclave.

Most of the people pictured were not wearing masks, while some had their masks lowered as they spoke to one another.

On May 17, URA issued a directive to some restaurants at Robertson Quay, barring them from selling alcohol for takeaway with immediate effect, as the takeaway sales had contributed to more individuals gathering in the area.

As circuit breaker measures lift from June 2, more people will come in contact with one another, said Mr Masagos. "It will be more critical than ever to practise safe distancing," he said.

Singaporeans must remain vigilant to curb the spread of Covid-19 despite the decreasing trend in the number of community transmissions, he added.

"Stay home as far as possible. Wear a mask and keep a distance of at least 1 metre from the next person when you go out," Mr Masagos said.

"We urge both the public and business operators to continue to play their part in adhering to the safe distancing measures that have been put in place," a URA spokesman said.

 

[frenchbriefs]

Public flogging pls.....

Show us u were not afraid of flogging some white man ass and show amdk lands that u possess the iron necessary to rule Singapore just like old fart did many years ago.

 

[Valium]

Play their cheebye parts.
Fucking incompetent ballless authorities want to pass their job to merchants. Fuck the useless SPF

 

[Semaj2357]

Play their cheebye parts.
Fucking incompetent ballless authorities want to pass their job to merchants. Fuck the useless SPF

hanor, mine is an oem part - locally produced, well-oiled and comes with ball bearings

 

[Valium]

hanor, mine is an oem part - locally produced, well-oiled and comes with ball bearings

Fire some bullets on that freely whore.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#2
"The key message is simply this: 'Stay home. Go out only for essential activities. Avoid close contact with people. If you can't, wear a mask to protect others and to protect yourself.' Everyone must play our part for the circuit breaker to be effective," he stressed.

Parliament: Private social gatherings of any size, in homes or public spaces, not allowed under new law

The Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill allows the health minister to prohibit events and gatherings, or impose conditions on how they are conducted.ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
PUBLISHED APR 7, 2020, 5:41 PM SGT
Lim Min Zhang

SINGAPORE - Social gatherings of any size, in homes or public spaces, will no longer be allowed under a new law for combating the coronavirus outbreak.
The ban includes having private parties or gatherings with families or friends not living together, at home or in public spaces such as parks and Housing Board void decks, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on Tuesday (April 7) .
He made the point when introducing the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill for debate in Parliament.
It was passed later in the day, giving the Health Minister the power to prohibit events and gatherings, or impose conditions on how they are conducted.
Said Mr Gan: "This enables us to better regulate events and gatherings, including those that take place on private properties."
The authorities had previously advised against holding and participating in social gatherings with more than 10 people.

Last Friday (April 3), tighter measures were introduced. The authorities said social contact should be confined to immediate family members living in the same household and there should be no social gatherings.

The restrictions for four weeks started yesterday and will go on till May 4.
Mr Gan, who co-chairs the multi-ministry Covid-19 task force, said the Bill provides the legal basis to enforce enhanced safe distancing measures, and are temporary measures specific to the outbreak that Singapore is facing.
The law will also allow the Government to requisition land, property or services needed to ramp up healthcare capacity and public health capabilities under the Requisition of Resources Act that was first passed in 1985.

Mr Gan told the House that if the number of Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Singapore, it may become necessary to requisition buildings that can be converted into accommodations and care facilities.

He said: "I am very grateful that today, many hotel and building operators have voluntarily stepped forward in this difficult period to work with the Government to support the national Covid-19 efforts.
"However, in a crisis like this, time is often of the essence and we cannot rely solely on commercial negotiation or the goodwill of these resource owners. We will need to move fast."
He added that the Government would exercise these powers judiciously, and work closely with affected stakeholders.
Under the Bill, the health minister would also have the power to close premises such as workplaces, schools, recreational facilities and places of worship, to minimise interactions and reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
It allows the minister to set requirements for premises in key economic sectors or essential services that are allowed to continue operating, including having food establishments open only for take-away or delivery, and not allowing customers to dine in.
The minister can also restrict the movement and interactions of individuals at their place of residence or other places, as well as their use of common areas like void decks, and shared facilities in HDB estates and private condominiums.
Mr Gan said: "While the majority of Singaporeans are responsible and will try to comply with the safe distancing measures, there will inevitably be a few individuals who do not treat the situation seriously and blatantly disregard the rules."
For instance, they may loiter and mingle in groups in public areas instead of staying at home, or refuse to adhere to safe distancing measures at food establishments or supermarkets, he said.
"We will not hesitate to take action against such persons and send a strong signal to prevent such behaviour from negating our collective efforts during this crucial circuit breaker to slow down the infection," he added.
All social gatherings banned under new law | THE BIG STORY | The Straits Times

WHAT'S ALLOWED?
The Act lists only 12 situations an individual may leave his or her home, as well as anything reasonably connected with the items on the list. These are:
(1) to work for or with an essential service provider, a specified school or an early childhood development centre
(2) to procure any goods or services from an essential service provider or a specified school
(3) to obtain — (i) medical treatment for a suspected Covid-19 infection at a hospital, medical clinic or any other place, designated by the Director for the treatment of Covid-19; or (ii) medical treatment that is of a pressing nature
(4) to engage in any recreational activity in an open-air stadium, public path or public park alone or with any other individual who lives with you.
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(5) where an individual works for or with an essential service provider, to bring the individual’s child or children to a place where the child or children are to be cared for.
(6) to assist any individual who has a physical or mental disability, or is below 12 years of age or above 60 years of age, with his or her daily needs.
(7) to report for enlistment or service under the Enlistment Act.
(8) to report to any law enforcement officer or to attend at any court in accordance with any warrant, summons or order made under any written law or order of a court.
(9) to be present at any place in accordance with a requirement under any written law.
(10) to seek or render help in an emergency.
(11) to move to another place of accommodation.
(12) to leave Singapore.
It also states that individuals must not allow others to enter his or her home except in very limited circumstances, including the provision of an essential service.
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
The Act empowers the minister or any authorised public officer to appoint enforcement officers to take action against individuals, business owners or entities that flout the rules.
The enforcement officers will include police officers, public officers and health officers appointed under the Infectious Diseases Act.
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While a strong signal needs to be sent to those who are egregious in flouting the measures, Mr Gan said enforcement officers will look at the facts of the cases carefully, including whether there were reasonable explanations for non-compliance.
Penalties are aligned with those under the Infectious Diseases Act. First-time offenders can be fined up to $10,000 and jailed up to six months.
For subsequent offences, the penalty is a fine of up to $20,000, up to 12 months' jail, or both.
SAFEGUARDS
Mr Gan emphasised that the health minister may make such orders only when he is satisfied that the spread of Covid-19 constitutes a serious threat to public health, and that the control order was necessary to prevent or contain it.
Second, a control order and any amendment must be presented to Parliament as soon as possible after its publication in the Gazette.
The House may pass a resolution annulling the control order, or any part or amendment of it.
Related Story
Coronavirus: S'pore, please, just stay home - the circuit breaker works only if we all do
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To win this Covid-19 war, retreat and stay home
Third, the minister must publish the control order so that those affected are aware of it, in addition to publishing it in the Gazette.
The minister noted that the latest "circuit breaker" measures offer an important opportunity to slow the Covid-19 infection significantly.
"The key message is simply this: 'Stay home. Go out only for essential activities. Avoid close contact with people. If you can't, wear a mask to protect others and to protect yourself.' Everyone must play our part for the circuit breaker to be effective," he stressed.

 

[zhihau]

There’s a part for everyone!

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#3
Every diner also has a part to play simply by returning his tray to the tray-return stations.

Everyone has part to play in tackling mynah issue
PUBLISHED JAN 1, 2019, 5:00 AM SGT
FACEBOOKTWITTER

At last, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority has found an appropriate measure to deal with the mynah menace (Major intervention to tackle mynah issue; Dec 29, 2018).
This mynah nuisance has become a daily occurrence at hawker centres, coffee shops and open-air eating places.
They descend on food that is left unattended, even momentarily. They also feed on leftovers and pose a health hazard as they have the potential to spread diseases through their droppings.
Food operators must ensure that leftovers are cleared quickly both at the tables and tray-return stations.
The rubbish bins at food centres should be tightly secured to prevent food spillage too.
Perhaps, the town councils could also consider installing nylon fishing nets between staircases at hawker centres.

This method has been found to be effective in preventing mynahs from entering some coffee shops and alfresco fast-food outlets.

At the same time, the National Parks Board and town councils should carry out tree pruning regularly to prevent roosting.
Every diner also has a part to play simply by returning his tray to the tray-return stations.

Andrew Seow Chwee Guan

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#4
However, safety is not just about actions - it is a culture, and every soldier has a part to play to ensure that the system stays tight.

Everyone has a part to play in safety culture

Incidents like these should serve as a reminder to all soldiers that it is their duty to enforce the safety system so that they can all complete their training safely. PHOTO: ST FILE
PUBLISHED JAN 26, 2019, 5:00 AM SGT

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) for the first time said that the training tempo across all services would be lowered to review the safety protocols.
It is good that the leadership is taking steps to ensure a safe operating environment for our soldiers. After the recent training incidents, a slew of safety measures was introduced but systems can do only so much.

Being an operationally ready national serviceman (NSman) myself, my experience is that the Singapore Armed Forces has always spared no effort and resources to strengthen the safety system.

Some examples are taking individual temperatures, enforcing seven hours of rest, enforcing the wearing of seat belts, removal of mobile devices… the list goes on.

However, safety is not just about actions - it is a culture, and every soldier has a part to play to ensure that the system stays tight.

Military tasks have inherent risks, we should appreciate the men and women who are serving NS to ensure the sovereignty of our nation.


Likewise, incidents like these should serve as a reminder to all soldiers - full-time national servicemen and NSmen - that it is their duty to enforce the safety system so that they can all complete their training safely.

I trust that Mindef will conduct a thorough investigation and provide a clear conclusion to the incident. Singaporeans expect nothing less.

Ang Deyao

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#5
To overcome the stigma that some parents remain concerned about, society will have to play a part too, he added. (Ong Ye Kung)

Society has part to play in ending stigma: Ong Ye Kung

Education Minister Ong Ye Kung with residents at the Canberra Day 2019 event on March 10, 2019.ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
PUBLISHED MAR 11, 2019, 5:00 AM SGT

Education system trying to cater to students' strengths - not label them, says minister
Zhaki Abdullah
The move from streaming to subject-based banding is meant to recognise that every student has strengths and weaknesses, and will allow for further customisation of the education system to address this, Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said yesterday.

To overcome the stigma that some parents remain concerned about, society will have to play a part too, he added.

Seeking to address public feedback that the move would perpetuate stigmatisation, but in a different form, Mr Ong said stigmatisation is not a government policy, but a societal response.

"Society also has the responsibility to now recognise that we all have different strengths and different skill sets," he told reporters on the sidelines of a grassroots event in Sembawang GRC, where he is an MP.

Mr Ong added that the education system is trying to cater to these strengths, and not label students.
"Labels are everywhere, we are categorised in everything we do. Whether we want to create a wall between different people, it is really up to us as a society," he said.

During the debate last Tuesday on the Ministry of Education's budget, Mr Ong announced that the Government would be doing away with secondary school streaming, which has been in place for almost 40 years.


By 2024, the Normal (Academic), Normal (Technical) and Express streams in secondary schools here will be replaced by full subject-based banding, where students will take up subjects at higher or lower levels, based on their strengths.
Streaming has often been criticised for fuelling the labelling and stigmatisation of students assigned to the slower Normal streams.
Mr Ong pointed to the replacement of streaming with subject-based banding in primary schools in 2008, which he said helped to tailor primary education to pupils at a subject-based level.

"It worked well, and the stigmatisation is more or less gone in primary schools," he added.

He said there is "no reason" this would not work now for secondary schools, noting that similar changes had been tested at the secondary level over the past decade.
Asked what is being done to ensure employers would not now stigmatise potential employees based on subject bands, Mr Ong said he believed that with the Government taking the lead, that would help point Singaporeans in the right direction. "We are not helpless in combating this," he said.

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This is happening only in 2024 as any changes to the education system will have an "immense impact" on students in the longer term.
As such, the authorities have to take care when implementing these changes, said Mr Ong. But while a complete switch to the new system will happen only in five years, big changes are taking place in the lead-up, he pointed out.
Beginning with an initial 25 schools practising full subject-based banding next year, this will be expanded to other schools over the years, he said.
Mr Ong also described the revamping of classes and timetables as a "complex operation" that will take schools time to implement.
He noted that Edgefield Secondary School in Punggol - which introduced subject-based banding this year - had gone through more than 100 permutations before settling on an optimal timetable.
Mr Ong added that he was confident teachers would adapt well to the new system.
"The passion and belief of teachers is everything. We wouldn't be able to do this without the full support of teachers," he said.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#6
Tougher, quicker action needed and industries must play their part too

Tougher, quicker action needed and industries must play their part too

Smoke emitting from a factory in Tuas.PHOTO: ST FILE
PUBLISHED AUG 21, 2019, 5:00 AM SGT

I am pleased that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spent a substantial amount of time on climate change in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday.

The United Nations has highlighted the urgency to tackle the issue in its Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report last year. Clearly, more should be done beyond what was proposed in PM Lee's speech.

What he said about the 50-to 100-year plan seems to signal that this is a problem we can still postpone for another generation.

But the IPCC report said 12 years is all we have got. We need to adopt a tougher and quicker stance to alleviate the effects of climate change.

Other points not touched on but are equally important include excessive meat consumption, which has proven to be environmentally unviable, and the carbon footprint created by industries.

Individuals can do only a little, such as adopting eco-friendly habits. But if industries and businesses remain lax and continue with existing environmentally unfriendly practices, such as excessive use of plastics and churning out large quantities of greenhouse gases, then all talk on tackling climate change is futile.


Sean Lim Wei Xin

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#6
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Housing Board have been running the window safety campaign in June and December every year to remind home owners to check and maintain their windows regularly, and to play their part in ensuring a safer living environment for all.

Building owners, home owners play a part in building safety

BCA takes a serious view of the safety of buildings and facades, and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against parties that fail to carry out their duties. ST PHOTO: JASMINE CHOONG
PUBLISHED APR 27, 2019, 2:36 AM SGT

We thank Mr Andrew Seow Chwee Guan and Mr Paul Chan Poh Hoi for their feedback (Building owners must step up maintenance checks, April 13; and Pre-emptive measures urgently needed to curb falling objects, April 17; respectively).

Building owners and home owners have a duty to regularly inspect and maintain their building facades. For windows of residential units which are subject to wear and tear from opening and closing, it is the home owners' responsibility to check them regularly and repair them if necessary, to ensure that the windows are always safe and secure.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Housing Board have been running the window safety campaign in June and December every year to remind home owners to check and maintain their windows regularly, and to play their part in ensuring a safer living environment for all.

Under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, building owners also have a duty to ensure that other exterior features of a building, such as claddings, curtain walls and brackets, are properly maintained so as to prevent them from falling off.

There are also regulations in place to ensure that buildings and their facades are designed by a qualified person and constructed by a builder in accordance with performance and safety requirements.

BCA takes a serious view of the safety of buildings and facades, and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against parties that fail to carry out their duties.

Mr Sew said that it is usually not the building's structural integrity that is of concern when there are incidents involving falling facades.

However, there may be public concerns over structural integrity when such incidents occur.
Therefore, besides requiring immediate measures to be taken, such as cordoning off the affected area and checking the building's other similar exterior features, BCA also assesses whether the structural integrity of the building may have contributed to the incident.
To enhance our building control framework, BCA is working to introduce a periodic facade-inspection regime that requires building owners to engage professionals to regularly inspect buildings' facades.
This will enable early detection of telltale signs of deteriorating facades or exterior features, and allow building owners to carry out necessary maintenance work and repairs to ensure the safety of their building facades.

Lim Beng Kwee
Director, Enforcement and Structural Inspection Department
Building and Construction Authority

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#7
Building a sustainable healthcare system requires all stakeholders to play their part.

Stakeholders all play part in keeping healthcare sustainable

The outpatient pharmacy at the Singapore General Hospital.PHOTO: ST FILE
PUBLISHED MAY 28, 2019, 5:00 AM SGT

We thank Mr Pua Hock Kee for his letter (Tackle high inflation in medical industry, May 15).

Building a sustainable healthcare system requires all stakeholders to play their part.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been working with different stakeholders on a range of initiatives to help keep healthcare costs and insurance premiums affordable and sustainable.

Last year, MOH published fee benchmarks for private sector professional fees for common surgical procedures.
The benchmarks guide private sector healthcare providers in charging appropriately, and enable patients and payers to make more informed decisions about their care and treatment.

The Agency for Care Effectiveness has also published appropriate care guides and drug guidances to guide healthcare professionals in making decisions that are clinically appropriate and cost-effective.

Co-payment is a key feature of our healthcare financing system to encourage prudent use and appropriate pricing of healthcare services.

All Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) are required to have a co-payment component, and MOH introduced co-payment requirements for new IP riders from March.

Collectively, these initiatives will empower providers, insurers and policyholders, patients and caregivers to make better informed choices on the appropriate care and treatment that best serve their needs.

Responsible pricing and use of healthcare services will help to moderate the rise in healthcare costs and claims over time.

This should correspondingly help to slow down the increases in insurance premiums.

All Singaporeans are covered for their basic hospitalisation needs under MediShield Life, for life.

Private hospitalisation insurance plans such as IPs and riders are optional, to cater to those who prefer additional coverage.

We encourage Singaporeans to seek treatment in line with their insurance coverage, preferences and affordability level.

Cham Daosong
Director, Finance Policy
Ministry of Health

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#8
Reducing use of foreign workers - everyone can play a part

Forum: Reducing use of foreign workers - everyone can play a part

A man using his laptop on May 4, 2020.ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
PUBLISHED MAY 9, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Almost 20,000 of the 700,000 foreign workers on work permit in Singapore are in the cleaning industry.

The Public Hygiene Council (PHC) has long argued that our heavy dependence on these, mostly low-skilled foreign workers to keep Singapore clean is not sustainable.

With the plight of foreign workers in Singapore dominating the news, it is timely for the PHC to reiterate its message that all Singapore residents must be more responsible for the cleanliness of our country. We must make good hygiene practices our daily responsibility.

Binning our trash, returning trays at hawker centres and flushing public toilets after use are practices that could help us reduce the number of foreign workers we need.

The way public eating places are run also needs to be revamped - including the infrastructural plan and layout of the premises, the design and installation of tray return stations, how the cleaners are groomed and trained, how the owners manage their premises, and how standards and guidelines are supervised and enforced.
These will result in cleaner premises, a more pleasant environment and quicker turnover of customers for stall operators.

These bold initiatives may be painful in the short run but are necessary to establish new norms that yield lasting benefits, such as a lower dependence on low-wage foreign workers.

We are far behind Japan, South Korea and Taiwan when it comes to cleanliness in public places. In those territories, cleaners are higher skilled and better paid. They wear smart uniforms and command the respect of society. They face no stigma. We would do well to learn from them.

The Government has repeatedly stressed that this is a time for us to reflect on what the Covid-19 crisis has taught us.

The PHC hopes that everyone will start taking public cleanliness much more seriously, because this affects us collectively and individually.

Edward D'Silva
Chairman
Public Hygiene Council

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#9
Every Singaporean can do his or her part in breaking the chain of transmission of the coronavirus and containing its spread, President Halimah Yacob said yesterday.

President Halimah urges all Singaporeans to do their part to fight coronavirus

President Halimah Yacob said the Government is doing its level best to contain the spread of Covid-19.PHOTO: ST FILE
PUBLISHED APR 4, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Tee Zhuo


Every Singaporean can do his or her part in breaking the chain of transmission of the coronavirus and containing its spread, President Halimah Yacob said yesterday.

People can do so by observing good personal hygiene and taking precautions such as not shaking hands and practising other social distancing measures, she added.

"We need every Singaporean to be on board. The success of our effort really depends on the will, forbearance and tenacity of our people. So, we cannot be the weakest link in the chain," she said in a post on her Facebook page.

"If we don't step up our individual efforts to keep the virus away, all the other measures will be compromised too," she added.

President Halimah said the Government is doing its level best to contain Covid-19 from spreading, with the team in charge working very hard.

"Our healthcare system is well prepared to manage the crisis. Our healthcare personnel, too, have done really fantastic work testing suspected cases as well as treating those who are infected," she added.

Madam Halimah also said that the increase in locally transmitted cases should be a cause of worry, as it means the virus is spreading in the community.
That is why every person needs to be on board to help stop the spread of the virus, she said. "Stay safe everyone. Let's do our part to break the chain of transmission."

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#10
Noise-dampening wheels may be used on trains plying the new Jurong Region Line (JRL), as part of the Government's efforts to tackle transport noise pollution at an earlier stage, but property developers should also play their part, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Friday.

Govt taking steps to tackle transport noise earlier, but property developers should also play their part: Khaw

Recently installed railway barriers, known as the semi-enclosed “portal” noise barrier, next to Block 503 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 on Oct 18, 2019.ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
PUBLISHED OCT 18, 2019, 12:46 PM SGT

Jean Iau


SINGAPORE - Noise-dampening wheels may be used on trains plying the new Jurong Region Line (JRL), as part of the Government's efforts to tackle transport noise pollution at an earlier stage, but property developers should also play their part, said Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Friday (Oct 18).
While advancements in technology that can reduce the noise generated by contact between the trains and the tracks are being monitored, transport noise cannot be completely eradicated, he added.
"Developers know about our rail and road projects years in advance of their construction," said Mr Khaw, adding that they can take steps to address noise at the outset and design away the disamenities.
"Developers should also alert potential buyers to the potential noise disamenity."
Mr Khaw, who is also Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, was speaking during a visit to a Housing Board carpark in Cheng San on Friday to observe how barriers built along MRT tracks have helped shield residents from train noise.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Friday awarded the third and final phase of its Railway Noise Barrier Programme - which began in 2013 to install noise barriers along MRT viaducts - to PBT Engineering.

The firm will build noise barriers along a 5.5km stretch at 16 locations, running from Jurong East to Khatib on the North-South Line (NSL) and from Pasir Ris to Kembangan on the East-West Line (EWL).

Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan visits recently installed railway barriers known as the semi-enclosed “portal” noise barrier next to Block 503 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 on Oct 18, 2019. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

The third phase is targeted to be completed in 2023. When completed, the noise barriers are expected to reduce railway noise levels by five to 10 decibels, the LTA said.
With all three phases of the programme completed, there will be 27km of noise barriers at 61 locations on the North-South and East-West Lines, said Mr Khaw.

"LTA will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these noise barriers after implementation," he added.
But it is not easy to install noise barriers on a live MRT line, said Mr Khaw, noting that it requires "a herculean effort" to lift and erect the support columns on to the viaduct, which needs to be done carefully to avoid causing damage.
Also, there are other constraints, as noise barriers can be installed only late at night, during engineering hours after normal train services have stopped. This work also needs to compete with other maintenance and renewals for the same limited window of time.
While early closures and late openings have helped accelerate the installation of noise barriers by providing more track access time, Mr Khaw said it creates an inconvenience to commuters.
New railway barriers at Ang Mo Kio

That is why the Government is taking steps to tackle the problem of noise pollution at an earlier stage, he added.
For instance, Mr Khaw said the upcoming JRL - a 24-station line that will begin construction from next year and open from 2026, serving residents in the Choa Chu Kang, Boon Lay and future Tengah estates - will be built overground with noise barriers.
The LTA is also considering the use of noise-dampening wheels and better lubrication for the JRL trains to minimise noise at the source.
A similar approach is adopted for major road projects, such as the Changi Northern Corridor, which will help improve connectivity for residents living in the Changi region and support the growth of businesses and jobs there.
"Noise barriers will be installed on the new viaduct along Loyang Avenue to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on nearby residences," said Mr Khaw.

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There are two types of noise barriers installed under the Railway Noise Barrier Programme which is estimated to cost $300 million, depending on the noise level and the type of train tracks.
For example, noise barriers installed at turnout sections - where trains switch tracks - have a semi-enclosed "portal" design to handle the higher noise levels, while those along plainline or straight tracks are vertical.
The portal design for noise barriers is being built in the stretch of railway tracks between Yio Chu Kang and Ang Mo Kio stations on the NSL in the second phase of the programme.
The LTA started installing noise barriers at above-ground MRT tracks under the Railway Noise Barrier Programme in late 2013 for locations such as Admiralty, Marsiling, Sembawang, Ang Mo Kio, Pioneer and Yew Tee.
Noise barriers covering Lakeside and Boon Lay stations, Aljunied and Paya Lebar stations, and Paya Lebar and Eunos stations are already up, as are those in Redhill and Queenstown, Commonwealth and Buona Vista, and Clementi and Jurong East stations.
Construction of noise barriers is under way at Pasir Ris to Tanah Merah MRT stations in the east, and some parts of the stretch between Jurong East to Bishan stations on the North-South line will be completed in the third quarter of 2020.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#11
Lives matter, and everyone plays a part in making Singapore liveable and safe.

Forum: Everyone has part to play to keep homes safe from fires

Fire in the rental flat on the 13th floor of Block 210A Bukit Batok Street 21.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
PUBLISHED DEC 14, 2019, 5:00 AM SGT

The death of the woman injured last month in the Bukit Batok fire - which firefighters could not fight properly because they could not use the hose reels - is regrettable (Woman dies from injuries suffered in Bukit Batok fire, Dec 11).
It is important to reflect on this, find solutions and prevent such incidents from happening again.
For starters, has the water supply been restored to the hose reels?
The gravity of the issue needs to be communicated in no uncertain terms to all stakeholders. Do not wait until there is a death to take responsibility or do the job well.
Why not make it mandatory to have a fire extinguisher in each household? Besides a small fire extinguisher, residents can also be given a first aid kit, N95 masks and free cardiopulmonary resuscitation lessons.
Residents can take more responsibility for their own fire safety. They should not be hoarding things at home. The authorities also need more clout to clear rubbish which has accumulated to dangerous levels.

Lives are at stake and in a building in which thousands of people live, the common good must be taken into account.

More should also be done to remove and outlaw appliances which are fire hazards.
Any attempt to change behaviour needs to be a two-pronged approach, combining legal enforcement with more intensive education and social media outreach. Instructions on using fire extinguishers and first aid pointers can be posted on social media or taught at community centres or through TV.
Finally, Singaporeans also need to reflect on their own civil behaviour.
Part of the reason the hose reel cabinet was locked was because of vandalism, and home owners were using the cabinets to store their own items.
Corridors are packed with plants, cabinets and other items which can impede rescue efforts.
Lives matter, and everyone plays a part in making Singapore liveable and safe.

Peter Loon Seng Chee

 

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He urged firms to "play their part", adding: "A well-run business should never be fully dependent on government aid, but should be agile and constantly seek ways to cut costs, if needed, to survive changing tides."

Singapore Budget 2020: Play your part, stay agile: SBF chief Ho Meng Kit urges businesses

Singapore Business Federation chief executive Ho Meng Kit (right) and panel moderator Straits Times associate editor Vikram Khanna discuss budget measures at a round table on Feb 19, 2020.ST PHOTO: STEPHANIE YEOW
PUBLISHED FEB 20, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Linette Lai
Political Correspondent

Businesses should use the current "downtime" to focus on transforming themselves, said Singapore Business Federation (SBF) chief executive Ho Meng Kit yesterday.

He urged firms to "play their part", adding: "A well-run business should never be fully dependent on government aid, but should be agile and constantly seek ways to cut costs, if needed, to survive changing tides."

Mr Ho's comments came a day after the Government rolled out a $4 billion package to help workers and firms tackle short-term economic uncertainties.

The package includes measures to help companies with wage costs and cash flow, with additional aid for the sectors worst hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Ho added that this year's Budget strikes a balance between helping companies with their immediate needs, and positioning them for a quicker recovery ahead.
Although he considered the $4 billion package to be comprehensive, he also said that rental waivers could have been more generous.

The Government has granted a 15 per cent property tax rebate for qualifying commercial properties, and has encouraged landlords to pass this on to tenants by reducing rentals.


"Companies in the retail and food and beverage sectors are asking for one to three months of rental waivers. Many are tenants of commercial developments," Mr Ho said.

He echoed the Government's call to pass on rebates to tenants, adding: "After all, a mall with empty shops and restaurants will not be sustainable in the long run for mall owners."

 

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All of us have a part to play, and the very least we could do is to realise how serious the situation is and eliminate non-essential travel.

Forum: Do your part by staying home

A woman walking along the void deck of a HDB block at Toa Payoh Lorong 8.ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
PUBLISHED MAY 4, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Much has been done to mitigate the impact of Covid-19. Our Government has proactively instituted measures to stem the pandemic, front-line medical workers fight the pandemic tirelessly, and Singaporeans have eagerly joined the ranks of volunteers helping us to protect ourselves from the pandemic.

Yet all their effort and struggles will be in vain if we remain complacent. Many do not seem to appreciate the gravity of the situation.

Many continue with their non-essential trips; many continue to unnecessarily go to parks and shopping centres; and some share on social media their exploits and escapades outside the safety of their homes.

We must realise that every trip out can expose us to the virus. And any avoidable risk of contracting the virus must be avoided, because every new case is an additional, immense burden on the healthcare system.

To boast of non-essential travel reeks of blithe entitlement. As much as the temptation to leave home is understandable, it can threaten everyone's safety and should be curbed. Must the Government close all food outlets and control access to all markets just to remove this temptation?

All of us have a part to play, and the very least we could do is to realise how serious the situation is and eliminate non-essential travel.

The national effort against the pandemic can succeed only if everyone pulls his weight.


Peter Theodore Siauw, 15
Secondary 4 student

 

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Everyone has part to play to flatten epidemic curve: Expert


Everyone has part to play to flatten epidemic curve: Expert

People should wash their hands as soon as they get to their home or office, advised infectious diseases expert Wang Linfa.ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
PUBLISHED MAR 24, 2020, 5:00 AM SGT

Audrey Tan
Science and Environment Correspondent

In the ongoing battle to contain the spread of Covid-19, every action counts, experts said yesterday.

"Social distancing, personal hygiene, business continuity plans, can all help to reduce R0 (R-naught) to less than one," infectious diseases expert Wang Linfa said during a panel discussion hosted by The Straits Times.

R0 refers to the basic reproduction number. It indicates the natural spread of the virus, said Professor Wang, who is director of the programme in emerging infectious diseases at Duke-NUS Medical School.

If the R0 is less than one, it means each existing infection causes less than one new infection. In this case, the disease will decline and eventually die out. But if it is greater than one, it will probably keep spreading.

Countries including Singapore are taking measures to drive the R0 to less than one, said Prof Wang.

"I think, so far, we are doing pretty well, but I think we need to really keep it up," he said, adding that everyone, from the individual to the Government, can help draw down R0 for Covid-19.

Prof Wang said the R0 for Covid-19 is estimated to be between two and three, similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars). In comparison, the R0 for measles is about 12.

Prof Wang said bringing the R0 down would also help to "flatten the epidemic curve" by preventing the number of infected cases from surging suddenly.
The epidemic curve is an n-shaped curve that is used to visualise when new cases happen and at what speed during a virus outbreak.


Prof Wang said: "If you let the natural R0 play out, hospitals will collapse because there are not enough beds, not enough ventilators.
"So, the strategy is to flatten the curve so that, for example, you have severe cases of 10 per day rather than a hundred or a thousand per day."