Phrases used by parrots: "...shared responsibility..."

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Lawrence Wong: "It is their shared responsibility to upkeep it and pass on its legacy to future generations."

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.

 

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Pedestrians with right of way 'must still share responsibility'​

Appeals Court rules injured victim 15% to blame although lights were in his favour​

The lights were green in Mr Li's favour when he was knocked down by a cab driver in 2011 at the crossing in Bukit Batok West Avenue 5 (above). In 2014, the High Court found the driver fully to blame for the accident. ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG

K.C. Vijayan
Senior Law Correspondent

MAR 19, 2016

Even if the lights are in their favour, pedestrians still have to check for oncoming traffic.
This was held in a rare 2-1 Court of Appeal decision in which the Chief Justice dissented.
Judge of Appeal Chao Hick Tin and Justice Quentin Loh, who were in the majority, explained their reasoning by highlighting a Highway Code rule that requires pedestrians to be on the alert.
"Pedestrians should take charge of their own safety," the court said in judgment grounds issued on Thursday, and decided the injured victim in the case before it was 15 per cent to blame despite having the right of way.
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, who wrote a separate view explaining his objections, said the ruling means "that pedestrians will no longer be able to take comfort in the fact that they are crossing at a point controlled by a police officer or by traffic lights".
"They will have to safeguard themselves in precisely the same manner in such circumstances as if they were jaywalking."
In Oct 2014, the High Court had found taxi driver Asnah Rahman, who was being sued by the victim, fully to blame for the accident which seriously injured then 21-year-old national serviceman Li Jianlin at a pedestrian crossing in Bukit Batok West Avenue 5.


On June 2, 2011, at about 10pm, the lights were green in his favour when he was knocked down. He suffered serious head and hip injuries, and was hospitalised for three months.
Green man on?
PEDESTRIANS SHOULD STILL CHECK
All we are saying is that a pedestrian should bear a small portion of the shared responsibility to guard against the risks of accidents if he is well placed to do so with minimal cost and effort on his part.
The Chinese saying 'the road is like a tiger's mouth'... remains valid even in the context of the modern-day signalised crossings because its deployment can only reduce road dangers but not eliminate them altogether.
We bear in mind that many accidents such as the one before us can well be avoided if pedestrians could simply remain attentive when they cross the road and refrain from getting distracted by mobile devices.
JUDGE OF APPEAL CHAO HICK TIN AND JUSTICE QUENTIN LOH
NO COMFORT AT CROSSING
I find it unsatisfactory that a road user who is acting entirely within and in accordance with the law should be subjected to a duty to guard against the dangerous (and not merely careless) conduct of others...
The result of the ruling today is that pedestrians will no longer be able to take comfort in the fact that they are crossing at a point controlled by a police officer or by traffic lights. They will have to safeguard themselves in precisely the same manner in such circumstances as if they were jaywalking.
CHIEF JUSTICE SUNDARESH MENON
For dangerous driving, Madam Asnah, 59, was also fined $2,400 and disqualified from driving for six months by a district court in 2012.
The cab's insurer appealed, with lawyer Anthony Wee arguing that Mr Li should be 35 per cent to blame for failing to check for approaching traffic as he crossed the second half of the dual carriageway which had a centre divider.

Mr Wee cited rule 20 of the Highway Code, which states: "Where a pedestrian crossing has a central refuge, each half is a separate crossing and you should treat it as such."
Mr Li's lawyer Eric Liew countered that the pedestrian had no duty to continuously look left or right when the signal lights were in his favour. The victim, who also suffered amnesia, could not recall if he was on the lookout when he crossed the second half of the road.
At issue was whether Mr Li, now a polytechnic student, had a responsibility to take care of his own safety.
The court's majority pointed to rule 22 of the Highway Code.
It requires pedestrians at a light controlled crossing to wait on the footway until the traffic in front has come to a standstill. This means those on foot should keep a lookout for errant motorists regardless of how long the lights have turned in favour of the pedestrian, wrote Justice Chao. This was because there was risk of the motorist having fallen asleep from fatigue, driving while drunk and using a mobile phone.
The court noted it takes no more than a split second to see if it is safe to cross the road. But it was also stressed that this does not mean motorists should be less vigilant.
"All we are saying is that a pedestrian should bear a small portion of the shared responsibility," said Justice Chao.
The Chief Justice argued the litmus test should be whether Mr Li acted reasonably, with the amount of self-care that a normal person would have exercised in his case.
He asked if it was reasonable to expect Mr Li to guard against a driver who drove "as if there was no traffic light and no controlled pedestrian crossing there at all". Only if the answer was "yes" could one consider if there were extra steps Mr Li could have taken.
He pointed out there was no footway in the middle of the road as a divider, making rule 20 and rule 22 irrelevant. He also found Madam Asnah had not shown that Mr Li failed to check for traffic when he approached the centre of the crossing.
The judgment means that when the case returns to the High Court in September to assess the damages payable to Mr Li, the sum will be discounted by 15 per cent.

 

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"Good library etiquette is a shared social responsibility."

Forum: Good library etiquette is a shared social responsibility​

MAR 26, 2020

We thank Ms Huang Meifang for her feedback (Do more to educate users on correct behaviour in public libraries, March 23).
The National Library Board and our partners promote reading and learning through programmes which are conducted in our libraries' designated zones.
These zones are converted into reading spaces when they are not in use, to provide additional seats for patrons.
We agree with Ms Huang that patrons should not reserve tables or seats, especially when there is reduced seating due to current social distancing measures.
Our staff regularly remind patrons to be considerate, and not to leave their belongings unattended. We also put up posters and make public announcements to encourage patrons to practise good library etiquette.
The interviews conducted at the Bishan Public Library cited by Ms Huang were organised by our programme partner as part of a walk-in job interview session, where candidates met prospective employers via video conferencing.
Given the implementation of social distancing measures for patrons, candidates were registered on the ground floor.

We will improve on the arrangements for future sessions.
Good library etiquette is a shared social responsibility. We seek the cooperation and support of our patrons so that our libraries can continue to be conducive spaces for reading and learning for all.

Catherine Lau
Assistant Chief Executive
Public Library Services
National Library Board

 

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Pedestrian code can help smooth path to shared responsibility​

But code of conduct lacks human touch, transport researcher says​

One advisory in the new pedestrian code of conduct says pedestrians should stay alert and refrain from using their mobile devices in a way that will hinder their ability to detect danger. ST PHOTO: KHALID BABA

Toh Ting Wei
Transport Correspondent

AUG 11, 2020

Real estate lecturer Celeste Ng, 53, was walking on the left side of a footpath in Bukit Batok recently when she spotted a cyclist riding towards her from the opposite direction.
As the path on her right was clear, she decided to continue walking without stepping aside. But the cyclist was also unwilling to give way.
"He swung to my right at the last minute and swore at me for not giving way to him," said Madam Ng, adding: "You tell me, should the code of conduct be set for the cyclist or for the pedestrian? In no time, these cyclists are going to chase us pedestrians out of our walkway."
Madam Ng is among those who are against the new pedestrian code of conduct drawn up by the Land Transport Authority that kicked in this month.
But the code has also drawn support from people who feel that ensuring safety on public paths is a shared responsibility.
The new code, for instance, tackles one of Mr Lee Peng Hock's concerns - pedestrians who have their eyes glued to their mobile phones.
The retired ship finance consultant, 76, said: "They don't understand the dangers posed by cyclists, personal mobility devices and fast joggers."

The code makes four recommendations.
First, a pedestrian should stick to a footpath if he or she has a choice between walking on that or a path shared with cyclists.
Second, a pedestrian should cross a road using a pedestrian crossing if he or she has a choice between that and a bicycle crossing.

Third, a pedestrian walking on a footpath or shared path should keep as far left as possible unless he or she is overtaking another pedestrian.
Lastly, pedestrians should stay alert and refrain from using their mobile devices in a way that will hinder their ability to detect danger.

• FOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS​

• • Pedestrians should prefer a footpath over a shared one.
  • Pedestrians should prefer a pedestrian crossing rather than a shared one.
  • Pedestrians on a footpath or shared path should keep as far left as possible unless overtaking another pedestrian.
  • Pedestrians should stay alert and refrain from using mobile devices in a way that will hinder their ability to detect danger.

There are no penalties imposed on pedestrians who do not follow these suggestions, which were recently added to an existing code of conduct for path users that had previously focused on cyclists and users of personal mobility devices.
Singapore University of Social Sciences transport researcher Park Byung Joon said the code is "a tad overly defined".
"Imagine a 10-year-old boy is walking with his younger sisters side by side. Some adult will yell at them to walk on the left... Isn't it too dry?
"I only see the side of efficiency and safety. I did not feel any human touch in the code.
"It makes me a bit sad, actually."
Cycling group Love Cycling SG founder Francis Chu said cyclists should always give way and keep a safe distance from pedestrians, as stated in the code of conduct for active mobility device users.
"As a cyclist, I want cycling to be socially accepted. There are far more pedestrians than cyclists. It doesn't make sense to demand that such a large group adapt to the small, more capable group," he added.
Those who support the code of conduct say that pedestrians have a part to play in avoiding accidents.
IT security specialist Samuel Yap, who is in his late 40s, said he has been taking precautions while walking on public paths, such as keeping to one side and staying alert as stated in the code.
However, he still feels there is a need for more enforcement against errant riders and for a clearer demarcation of paths, where feasible, to facilitate safer path sharing.
Dr Robert Liew, director of arts presenter Arts Management Associates, who is in his early 70s, said he supports guidelines to facilitate more efficient use of shared paths but noted that paths should be clearly marked to indicate whether they are footpaths or shared paths.
"Unfortunately, there are not many visually distinctive paths around."
Dr Liew, who also rides bicycles and e-scooters regularly, added that inculcating a greater sense of sharing and responsibility among path users would help improve safety. "Without mutual sharing... when conditions allow, we can never have a seamless network," he added.

 

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Forum: Path safety a shared responsibility​

Pedestrians and a cyclist on a shared path along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 on August 4, 2020. PHOTO: ST FILE

AUG 18, 2020

We thank Mr Ramamurthy Mahesh Kumar (Penalties the only way to harmony on shared paths, Aug 17) as well as Mr Lawrence Loh Kiah Muan and Mr Lim Kock Lian (Tough code of conduct needed for cyclists; and Pedestrians, cyclists sharing paths will lead to accidents, both Aug 13) for their feedback.
We have heard diverse views from both pedestrians and active mobility device users. Some have encountered inconsiderate device users who do not dismount in crowded spaces, while others have seen pedestrians who continue to use their mobile devices and refuse to give way.
When the Code of Conduct for Active Mobility Device Users was introduced in 2018, we established 12 guidelines for cyclists and riders to ride in a safe and considerate manner on public paths.
For example, those on active mobility devices, being the faster ones on a path, should always give way to pedestrians - and slow down or dismount in crowded places.
We have now added four simple safety tips for pedestrians. In doing so, the code of conduct now applies to all path users, setting out behavioural norms for greater path safety.
It rests on one basic principle: Everyone has a part to play and should look out for one another to stay safe in these common public spaces.
In tandem with promoting gracious path-sharing behaviour, we will continue to expand our active mobility infrastructure to improve connectivity for device users and better safety for pedestrians.

Where there are cycling paths parallel to footpaths, active mobility device users should use them. However, there is just not enough space in Singapore for us to build distinct paths for every different user.
The Land Transport Authority will press on with active enforcement of regulations as well as public education. Active mobility device users who flout the rules will face stiff penalties.
The safety of all path users is paramount as we continue to promote active mobility in Singapore.
Overall path safety has improved significantly, with active mobility accidents on public paths dropping by about half over the past year.
We can do even better together, as we build a culture of responsibility and graciousness, for safer paths and more enjoyable journeys.

Chan Boon Fui
Group Director, Active Mobility
Land Transport Authority

 

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"We...and agree with him that safety at sea is a shared responsibility."

Forum: MPA welcomes community approach to enhance safety at sea​

AUG 17, 2023

We thank Mr Tan Teng Han for his feedback (Set up volunteer response team for maritime emergencies, Aug 8) and agree with him that safety at sea is a shared responsibility.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) works closely with the maritime community to instil a strong safety culture in Singapore waters, and has set up the National Maritime Safety at Sea Council (NMSSC) to serve as an advisory body to MPA on maritime safety matters.
The NMSSC works closely with four MPA-Industry Safety Work Groups on key initiatives to enhance safety at sea for ocean-going vessels, harbour craft, pleasure craft, and domestic and regional ferries.
Every year, MPA presents the International Safety@Sea Awards to recognise outstanding efforts of organisations and individuals who have contributed towards search and rescue efforts or enhancing maritime safety.
MPA welcomes Mr Tan’s suggestion on community approaches to enhance safety at sea. We will look into the suggestion with NMSSC, industry stakeholders and the relevant government agencies.
MPA and relevant government agencies such as the Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), National Parks Board and Sentosa Development Corporation have jointly developed safety advisories for activities at sea for the maritime community.
MPA also works with the SCDF to recognise members of the community who have assisted in rescue operations in Singapore waters.

Most areas surrounding Singapore experience strong tidal currents daily, and are susceptible to stronger currents and choppy waters induced by high winds during severe weather and monsoon seasons.
To raise awareness, MPA also publishes Port Marine Circulars on its website to provide guidance to persons engaging in recreational water activities at sea. Persons engaging in recreational water activities at sea should be mindful of the weather, tidal and sea conditions; observe the prevailing safety guidelines for the activities that they are undertaking; wear a life vest or suitable personal floatation device, where applicable; and act responsibly to ensure their own safety and the safety of the persons under their care.

Capt Daknashamoorthy Ganasen
Senior Director (Operations & Marine Services)
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

 

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"Safeguarding animal welfare is a shared social responsibility. "

Forum: Safeguarding animal welfare a shared social responsibility​

SEP 19, 2023, 5:00 AM SGT


We thank the Forum writer for the letter “Stricter enforcement of law on pet neglect needed” (Sept 13).
Being a pet owner is a lifelong commitment, and owners must be responsible and provide appropriate care for the animals. The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), will take appropriate enforcement action against anyone who does not care for his pet adequately or commits an act of animal cruelty. The cats found in the Bukit Merah flat are under the care of AVS, and the case is being investigated (AVS probing alleged animal neglect after 20 cats rescued from Bukit Merah flat, Sept 7).
The Government adopts an inter-agency approach to address hoarding because of its complexity. AVS is the first responder for animal-related issues. Guided by the Hoarding Management Framework, AVS’ role in the hoarding task force is to assess if there are animal health and welfare concerns. The priority is to determine if the animals have been neglected or ill-treated, and to ascertain their welfare and health condition.
Factors such as the quality of care provided to the animals, overall living environment, and behaviour, are considered to determine if there has been a failure in duty of care. AVS also partners stakeholders such as animal welfare groups and pet owners to investigate cases and re-home the animals where necessary.
Apart from potentially compromising the welfare of the animals, animal hoarding often causes problems for the resident and neighbours and results in hygiene and potential public health issues. In instances where the resident has suspected mental health issues or socio-emotional needs, AVS will work with agencies and community partners such as social service agencies to support the resident. The support from the resident’s family and community is also necessary for such interventions to be successful.
Safeguarding animal welfare is a shared social responsibility. The public can play a part by promptly reporting, and providing photos or videos of, suspected cases of animal cruelty or pet abandonment at www.avs.gov.sg/feedback or our Animal Response Centre on 1800-476-1600.

Jessica Kwok
Group Director,
Animal & Veterinary Service
National Parks Board

 

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"Road safety is a shared responsibility."

Forum: Traffic Police has intensified three-pronged approach to improve road safety​

SEP 29, 2023

We refer to the letters by Mr Mohamad Nurhafiz Mohd Noor, “Curb drink driving with stiffer penalties”, and Mr Matthew Chua, “Use drones to help police the roads” (both Sept 22).
The Traffic Police (TP) has been closely monitoring the road traffic situation, and in fact has intensified its three-pronged approach of education, engagement and enforcement to improve road safety and curb drink driving.
For example, it has been reinforcing anti-drink driving messages through its annual anti-drink driving campaign, road safety talks, community roadshows and exhibitions.
TP also conducts daily roadblocks to enforce against crimes, including drink driving. The number of persons arrested for drink driving has remained stable, with 785 persons arrested in the first half of 2023, compared with 790 persons in the first half of 2022.
TP has also been leveraging technology, such as cameras, to deter irresponsible road behaviour. We will study the feasibility of drones for traffic enforcement in the future.
The Road Traffic Act 1961 is regularly reviewed. In 2019, it was amended to enhance the penalties for drink driving, for stronger deterrence. The maximum fine was doubled from $5,000 to $10,000, the maximum imprisonment term was also doubled, from six to 12 months, while the driving ban was more than doubled, from at least 12 months to at least two years.
However, TP’s efforts alone will never be enough. Road safety is a shared responsibility. All motorists have a part to play and must abide by traffic rules, if we are to keep the roads safe for everyone.

Superintendent of Police Lin Zhihao
Assistant Director (Media Relations Division)
Public Affairs Department
Singapore Police Force

 

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"We need to recognise that keeping public toilets clean is a joint responsibility."

Forum: Keeping public toilets clean a collective responsibility​

DEC 13, 2023

We refer to Mr Tay Boon Suat’s letter on how dirty coffee shop toilets are an issue that needs to be addressed (Users must help keep coffee shop toilets clean, Dec 2).
Public toilets at food establishments are an essential amenity, especially to the stallholders, food handlers and cleaners who work there.
Dirty and wet toilets are prone to breeding germs and viruses. It is thus important that the toilets in food establishments are kept hygienically clean.
We need to recognise that keeping public toilets clean is a joint responsibility.

Everyone, including the premises’ operators and the public, has a role to play.

Clean public toilets can be possible only if everyone does their part to keep them clean.

It has been more than a year since the Public Hygiene Council started the Neighbourhood Toilets Community Group initiative to drive home the message of collective responsibility in keeping public toilets clean.

While the initiative started only as a pilot scheme, the participating coffee shop operators and community volunteers observed that toilet cleanliness at their participating premises has improved significantly since the pilot.

More needs to be done, and the first thing to do is to start recognising that we cannot hope for a clean Singapore if the toilets are dirty.

We always think it is someone else’s job to keep public toilets clean.

This is a total misconception; we need to be more civic-minded and adopt a culture of change in picking up litter, as well as in keeping public toilets clean, just like we do in our home.

Andrew Khng
Chairman
Public Hygiene Council