Problems that the million-dollar ministers are not solving

[True Believer]

I wonder how many rapists have entered S'pore to work as psychotherapists using fake qualifications?

 

[k1976]

 

[k1976]

I wonder how many rapists have entered S'pore to work as psychotherapists using fake qualifications?

Xia Suay Home Grown Peedo waiting to be Fixed

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Spare a thought for those affected by noise​

Jul 10, 2024


I refer to the Opinion piece “What price some quiet time at home?” (July 7).
People usually talk about air and water pollution, but noise pollution is no less important.
I have been harping on the issue of noise caused by motorcycles and other vehicles.
When these motorbikes or cars are driven inside HDB estates or inside carparks, the sound is amplified many times, and can even be heard by those on the 10th floor. Some riders of two-wheelers enjoy revving their machines loudly and startling the people around.
In our estate, a biker makes loud noises every morning, waking up everyone at 4.30am. He just doesn’t care about the noise he makes and the disturbance it causes.
There is no good reason why the public has to tolerate such annoying noise made by inconsiderate people.
I think it is time the authorities revisited the policies on noise so that people like us can enjoy some peace.

Ramamurthy Mahesh Kumar

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Have residents’ handbook outlining clear guidelines on HDB living​

Jul 19, 2024

Living in close quarters like in HDB flats can be challenging. While all residents have the right to enjoy their home, certain behaviours can infringe on others’ right to a peaceful, safe living environment. A recent example involved a resident who placed a sauna, which was later removed, potted plants and other bulky items in the public corridor (Fire safety violations found along Serangoon HDB corridor with ‘sauna’ cabin; SCDF to take action, July 16). This case exemplifies the self-entitled behaviour that disrupts HDB living.
Residents from different backgrounds and with different habits can clash, especially when some view the common corridor as their own space.
Other examples include noise pollution from loud music or noisy pets, inconsiderate bird feeding, overgrowing of plants, and chain-smoking or non-stop burning of incense that affects neighbouring units. Issues like high-rise littering, dripping laundry and public urination are also common.
The lack of clear guidelines from the Housing Board exacerbates these problems. Currently, there are no limitations on the duration or frequency of activities like smoking, incense burning, or even mahjong playing. Victims of inconsiderate neighbours often face lengthy and expensive battles with various government agencies, only to find themselves back at square one.
As HDB spaces become smaller, conflicts are bound to increase. To address this, the HDB needs to take a proactive approach. A crucial first step is a residents’ handbook outlining clear guidelines for expected behaviour and respect for neighbours’ rights. Additionally, implementing reasonable limits and timeframes for activities that cause inconvenience would promote better co-existence.
Furthermore, enforcement is essential. The HDB should consider hefty fines for repeat offenders, with flat repossession as the ultimate consequence for persistent disregard. Installing sensors to detect excessive noise or smoke can provide a more objective and efficient way to monitor compliance.
An alternative solution is redesigning HDB flats to include private or designated areas for shoe racks or other bulky items. This would free up the common corridors, giving better access to residents, especially the elderly.

Ultimately, fostering a harmonious living environment requires clear expectations and mutual respect. By educating residents on their rights and responsibilities, implementing clear guidelines, and establishing enforcement mechanisms, the HDB can create a peaceful, clutter-free environment where everyone thrives. This will benefit residents and also free up valuable resources currently spent on resolving neighbour disputes.

Chong Ling Eng

 

[k1976]

U see...say cooling measure really work wonders de woh

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Don’t allow 99-year HDB lease issue to remain unresolved​

Jul 22, 2024

I agree with sociologist Chua Beng Huat that the Government has an increasingly intricate and difficult task of balancing the perception of HDB flats as both public good and financial asset (Future of HDB flats: A delicate balancing act, says sociologist Chua Beng Huat, July 13).
This is especially when many Singaporeans’ savings have gone into their home purchase.
A third of home owners have capitalised on profiting through a buy-sell-repurchase cycle. I believe the two-thirds who have not acted on this strategy intend to bequeath their home to their family members.
Political leaders and Singaporeans must recognise and accept the fundamental principle of the 99-year lease for most HDB flats. The HDB will not be able to conduct the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme for every maturing flat in Singapore. It is both financially inconceivable and irresponsible.
National Development Minister Desmond Lee has reiterated in Parliament that HDB flats of 99-year leasehold strike a good balance between providing a home for life, asset appreciation, rejuvenating our city and building homes for the new generation.
Though the government of the day has reaped political returns, legitimacy and gratitude from past Singaporeans who have gained much from owning an HDB flat, we should not allow the 99-year lease issue to remain unresolved.

Foo Sing Kheng

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Social changes a reason to look at extending HDB lease​

Jul 22, 2024

The 99-year lease on HDB flats continues to be a contentious issue for Singaporeans, especially given how expensive flats have become (Future of HDB flats: A delicate balancing act, says sociologist Chua Beng Huat, July 13; and Don’t allow 99-year HDB lease issue to remain unresolved, July 19).
This is not simply a matter of rising costs.
The Housing Board began its 99-year lease model for its public housing flats in the 1960s. This lease model means that the ownership of the flats will revert to the state after 99 years.
Addressing Parliament, National Development Minister Desmond Lee has said that HDB flats of 99-year leasehold strike a good balance between providing a home for life, asset appreciation, rejuvenating our city and building homes for the new generation.
However, it should be recalled that in the 1960s, the life expectancy of Singaporeans was just 60-plus years. Moreover, Singaporeans married and had children very early then, often in their 20s.
Taken together, the 99-year lease would have allowed the children of the original buyers to live in that HDB home for life if desired. Socially, this makes sense, and provides families with stability and the intimate memories of growing up in that home.
It also helps buyers whose children have a permanent disability or serious illness, giving families the peace of mind that, regardless of finances, the children can spend the rest of their lives in their parents’ home if need be.

Moving forward to the present, the life expectancy of Singaporeans has increased significantly to more than 80 years. Singaporeans are also marrying later and delaying having children, if they have any at all.
These seismic social changes in Singapore ought to be considered in determining anew the length of HDB flat leases. For instance, extending the leases of HDB flats to, say, 150 years may help allay some of these concerns.

Daniel Ng Peng Keat

 

[k1976]

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Economy

The US economy could get hit by a double whammy on September 30, if 2 major negotiations are not hammered out​

Erin Snodgrass
Sep 20, 2024, 8:16 AM GMT+8
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Left: AP Photo/Luca Bruno Right: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

• If Congress doesn't pass a stopgap bill by September 30, there will be a partial government shutdown.
• East Coast and Gulf Coast ports will also shut down if a union contract isn't renegotiated by the same date.
• If either — or both — were to happen, the US economy would take a hit ahead of the 2024 election.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Make insurers pay for third-party property damage if their client is clearly at fault​

Sep 25, 2024

The Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act 1960 (MV Act) does not require insurers to make insurance compulsory for third-party property damage.
For third-party property damage coverage, an insurer’s obligations arise solely from the contractual relationship with its policyholder.
The insurance contract requires its policyholder or insured driver to report an accident to the insurer.
While the rationale is sound in not-so-clear-cut motor accidents, it should not apply in all situations.
In situations where there is ample evidence clearly showing that their insured driver was at fault in an accident and is 100 per cent responsible for it, the insurers should be mandated to proceed with a third-party claim.
Nowadays, in-car cameras can provide clear footage of an accident. This can be used to determine if the insured driver was at fault in the accident and the extent of his responsibility.
Insurers can now choose to push the case away and claim that they will send reminders to their insured driver.

The most drastic actions insurers can take are to repudiate liability, cancel the policy, decline renewal of the policy and confiscate the no-claims discounts (NCDs).
None of these actions will encourage their errant insured driver to make an accident report.
And none of these actions protects the victim. They serve only to protect the insurer.
The victim will have to either claim from his own insurance policy or file a civil suit against the errant driver. The victim has to pay the cost of repairing the damage done by the errant driver, bear the increased premiums with reduced NCDs and also high legal fees.
The MV Act not only punishes the victims but also benefits the errant drivers and insurance companies.
Upon policy cancellation, the errant drivers can just sign up for another policy with another insurance company with no penalties.
Insurance companies benefit from charging higher premiums for those who claimed from their own insurance and at the same time they have no obligations to pay for property damage caused by their former clients.
The MV Act should be reviewed, with an added clause which requires insurers to pay for third-party property damage if there is sufficient evidence to show that their client is 100 per cent at fault.

Vincent Tan Zongxian

 

[True Believer]

Our ministers cannot solve a problem that they are a part of. Iswaran admitted to 4 charges of obtaining valuable items from F1 promoter Singapore GP’s chairman, Ong BS and David Lum who is MD of listed construction company Lum Chang Holdings. He also admitted to one charge of obstructing the course of justice. These are serious charges, and Iswaran must be given a hefty fine and a long jail sentence.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Laws shouldn’t be flouted while practising religion​

Aug 07, 2024

As the Chinese seventh month starts, so too does the haze return. Not from across the sea but from the nearest oil drum and open wire enclosure with hell notes burning.
While there is a need to respect others’ religions, the practice of these religions should not be at the expense of flouting national laws like those against littering.
The Alliance for Action on Norms for Joss Paper Burning also advises worshippers to not toss or scatter joss paper, and ensure that they clear up their offerings after prayers. Yet many times, the aftermath of a joss paper-burning session can be seen in unburnt and semi-burnt joss papers strewn across grass verges and pavements, clogging drains and canals. Pieces of ash fly into homes. Food offerings are left out overnight, attracting rats and other pests.
What actions can be taken against such irresponsible worshippers?

Adam Reutens-Tan

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

4 drivers nabbed for providing illegal chauffeured services between Singapore and Malaysia​

Drivers who are caught providing illegal hire-and-reward services can be fined up to $3,000, jailed up to six months, or both. PHOTOS: LTA/FACEBOOK

Elaine Lee

Aug 08, 2024

SINGAPORE - Four drivers were arrested by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Aug 7 for providing illegal chauffeured services between Singapore and Malaysia.
Their Malaysian-registered vehicles were also seized, LTA wrote in a Facebook post on Aug 8.
Investigations into these cases are ongoing, an LTA spokesperson told The Straits Times.
Since January, 10 drivers have been caught for providing illegal cross-border passenger transport services using foreign-registered vehicles. The penalties for those convicted include hefty fines, disqualification from driving and vehicle forfeiture, the spokesperson added.
LTA said Malaysia-registered private cars and private-hire cars cannot accept bookings on social media and messaging platforms, such as Facebook and Telegram, and provide cross-border trips or ride-hailing services in Singapore.
Checks by The Straits Times on Aug 8 found that several Facebook pages, Telegram groups, websites and more than 20 listings on online marketplace Carousell are still offering cross-border chauffeur services targeted at travellers from Singapore.
One website with a Malaysian contact number offered a ride from Singapore to Mount Austin in Johor Bahru from $100 with a multi-purpose vehicle.

There was no mention of insurance coverage or the required licence to operate cross-border services on the website.
Under the Road Traffic Act, all vehicles, including foreign-registered vehicles, must have a valid public service vehicle licence (PSVL) to provide taxi or chauffeured private-hire car services.
Anyone caught using a vehicle that is not issued with a valid PSVL may be investigated. Those found guilty face a fine of up to $3,000, jail of up to six months, or both. The vehicle used may also be forfeited.

LTA said it strongly urges the public against using services offered by unlicensed providers.
“These vehicles and their drivers are not appropriately licensed or insured and could potentially leave passengers without recourse if they are involved in a traffic accident,” LTA said.
The agency added that it is working with online platforms such as Klook, KKday and Google to remove advertisements of illegal cross-border services.
Singapore and Malaysian taxis that have been granted an Asean public service vehicle permit are the only licensed providers of cross-border rides, LTA said. Malaysian taxis will also need to obtain a cross-border PSVL.
These taxis are available for hire at Ban San Street Terminal in Rochor and Johor Larkin Terminal, which are the designated pickup and drop-off points for cross-border taxi services.
Passengers may also book cross-border trips through licensed Singapore taxi operators, LTA said.
To report illegal cross-border chauffeured services, members of the public can file a report with LTA via the contact form at www.lta.gov.sg/feedback, or use the e-service “Report vehicle-related offences” on www.onemotoring.lta.gov.sg
They can provide information such as the vehicle’s registration plate number, date, time and a brief account of the incident to facilitate investigations, said LTA.

 

[k1976]

Markets

Malaysia Takes the Limelight as Singapore Firms Look North for Listings​

• Singapore-listed chip firms looking to sell shares in Malaysia
• Malaysia has seen more than 30 IPOs in 2024, Singapore one

By Dave Sebastian and John Cheng
September 25, 2024 at 8:15 AM GMT+8
Updated on
September 25, 2024 at 4:22 PM GMT+8
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Some Singaporean companies are looking to sell shares in Malaysia’s booming market, as the city-state remains on track for its worst year for new stock listings in a quarter century.

A shift would buck the historical pattern of Malaysian firms offering equity in Singapore, which has traditionally been seen as offering better access to global institutional investors.

 

[k1976]

Hong Kong Reclaims Top Spot as Asia's Leading Financial Hub, Surpassing Singapore​

Sep 26, 2024 Hubbis

Hong Kong has reclaimed its position as Asia's top financial hub, surpassing Singapore for the first time in two years, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index.

The semi-annual report, released by the China Development Institute and London’s Z/Yen Partners, placed Hong Kong third globally, behind New York and London. Singapore and San Francisco rounded out the top five.

In 2022, Singapore overtook Hong Kong after easing travel restrictions, while Hong Kong maintained its measures until early 2023. Recent improvements in the stock market and new listings have strengthened Hong Kong's financial status.

Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, highlighted Hong Kong's high rankings in areas such as the business environment, fintech, banking, and wealth management. He credited the city's stock market growth and regulatory support for revitalizing its IPO market, including the major IPO of Midea Group, which raised US$4 billion.

In addition, the US Federal Reserve's interest rate cut and adjustments by Hong Kong’s banks, alongside China’s recent policy moves, have further boosted market sentiment.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

LTA calls for public feedback to make buses safer​

In 2023, 3.75 million public bus rides were taken each day, on average. PHOTO: ST FILE

Isabelle Liew

Aug 23, 2024

SINGAPORE – Public feedback is being sought to improve the safety of public buses following a recent spate of accidents involving these vehicles.
The Land Transport Authority on Aug 23 launched an online survey inviting the public to rate how safe they feel when travelling on public buses and to send in suggestions for how safety can be improved.
In a Facebook post on Aug 23, Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai encouraged Singaporeans to share their frank feedback, which he said would help the authorities find solutions that would “benefit bus captains, commuters and other road users”.
The survey is one of the measures by the Bus Safety Tripartite Taskforce headed by Mr Murali, which seeks to identify ways for the bus industry to make further improvements, and build on safety initiatives and practices.
“In the months ahead, the task force will be engaging different stakeholders, including commuters and bus captains, for their views on what more we can do to improve bus safety,” Mr Murali wrote on Facebook.

The task force comprises representatives from government agencies, the National Transport Workers’ Union, all four public bus operators and the Singapore Road Safety Council. The four operators are SBS Transit, SMRT Buses, Go-Ahead Singapore and Tower Transit Singapore. In all, they operate about 5,800 public buses.
The latest effort follows a number of accidents involving public buses. In June, there were at least five such accidents.

The Government had said previously that the number of serious accidents involving public buses has remained stable each year over the past few years.
There were 75 such accidents in the first five months of 2024, compared with 207 in the whole of 2023 and 207 in the whole of 2022.
In 2023, 3.75 million public bus rides were taken each day, on average.
Mr Murali also pointed out that the number of workplace injuries for rail and bus operations has dropped. There were 37 such cases in the first half of 2024, down from 49 over the same period in 2023, said Mr Murali, who also spoke at a ceremony for the Public Transport Safety and Security Awards on Aug 23.
“While these trends are moving in the right direction, we must stay humble, remain vigilant and build on these improvements, to reduce workplace injuries further,” he said in his speech.
Mr Murali also said it is important to have the mindset that “every accident is an accident too many”.
“This is why whenever any accident occurs, it is extremely important for us to come together to investigate root causes and implement improvements, so that we can move closer to our collective target of zero accidents,” he added.
The survey can be found at https://go.gov.sg/bussafetyfeedback

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: More balanced approach needed to address PMD safety issues​

Aug 26, 2024

I read with interest the article, Sembawang residents asked to remove personal mobility devices from common areas by Aug 20 (Aug 20).
The directive by Sembawang Town Council was for Admiralty Drive residents to remove their personal mobility devices (PMDs) and personal mobility aids (PMAs) from common areas and keep them within their homes.
While I understand the intent behind this measure, I believe it is crucial to address the issue from a broader perspective to ensure the safety and convenience of all residents.
The town council’s directive warns of PMDs and PMAs creating fire hazards in high-traffic common areas like void decks and corridors, where these devices can also obstruct movement and pose fire hazards. The recent Sembawang void deck fire highlights these risks.
However, shifting the devices into private homes isn’t ideal. Singapore Civil Defence Force data shows a rise in mobility device fires in 2023. Fires in confined HDB units can spread quickly, endangering many residents.
I believe a more balanced approach is needed. The Government and town councils should consider establishing secure, designated charging and storage areas for these devices.
They could be located at void decks or other common spaces but designed with fire safety in mind – equipped with fire extinguishers and regulated charging stations, with proper ventilation.

It is also essential to ensure that device owners are educated on safe charging practices and are held accountable for any damage caused by their devices. Encouraging the use of UL2272-certified devices and discouraging overnight charging are important steps.
The safety of residents should always be the top priority. We need to explore comprehensive measures that protect both individual units and common areas, ensuring a safer environment for all.

Gabriel Chia Sit Loke

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Puzzling how people can still get hold of vaping devices​

Aug 30, 2024

I refer to recent social media posts about a man who was seen vaping openly in an MRT train along the North-South Line. He appeared intoxicated throughout the video clip.
I have personally seen many people, including teenagers, who vape openly in public areas such as void decks, near bus stops and carparks. This has been an almost daily occurrence even though it is an offence to possess, use or purchase vapes in Singapore. It is therefore puzzling how they could get hold of such devices here.
These people seem not to have any respect for the law and are not afraid of doing it in public.
As such, it will be of public interest for the relevant authorities to advise on the possible actions that members of the public can take when they witness such incidents, rather than sharing on social media.
I would also suggest that schools and educators emphasise to their students the dangers of vaping and the legal consequences. The media could also play an important role in this publicity effort.
It is also important for the authorities to locate the suppliers or sellers and come down hard on them.

Muhammad Dzul Azhan Sahban

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Vaping problem needs to be treated more seriously​

Sep 02, 2024

I refer to Mr Muhammad Dzul Azhan Sahban’s letter “Puzzling how people can still get hold of the devices” (Aug 30). He noted that many people openly use e-cigarettes in public, even on the MRT, showing little respect for the law.
I’ve encountered vape users in public spaces a few times; as an educator, I hesitated over whether to step in and warn them about the proven harmful effects of vaping on brain function. It seems as though some people have become so addicted to vaping that they are losing control over their use of such devices.
Similar to glue sniffing in the past, should the authorities start taking stiffer action against vape users? Should concerned citizens be given the power to report, with sufficient evidence, that a neighbour in their block is a regular vape user? Can parents apply to the authorities for assistance to help a vaping teen or young adult quit the habit?
Perhaps the local community should join hands to help before the promising futures of many young people are lost.
While I’m aware of existing public education efforts, like the posters on MRT station walls, the frequent reports of people openly vaping suggest that the measures aren’t enough. Isn’t it time for the authorities to intensify enforcement and impose stricter penalties on vape users to send a clear and unequivocal message about the harm the habit does?

Koh Seng Lin

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

The ESG advocates go after the use of plastic straws but are doing nothing when it comes to use of plastic in supermarkets.

Forum: Cut amount of single-use plastic in supermarkets​

Sep 11, 2024

It has been more than a year since supermarkets in Singapore, mandated by the authorities, started charging consumers for plastic bags.
This caused a major shift in consumer behaviour, as reported in the article “Over 90% of customers bring own bags after mandatory 5-cent charge for plastic bags: NEA survey” (Aug 30).
Is it perhaps time for businesses to go a step further?
In particular, is it time for supermarkets and other retailers to consider reducing the amount of single-use plastic used to package fresh items?
Many fruits and vegetables are packed in plastic punnets, bags or shrink-wrap – the plastics can’t be reused and have to be thrown away.
Wouldn’t it be more environmentally friendly for supermarkets and other retailers to consider selling fruits and vegetables loose?
One could argue that consumers would still be using plastic bags to hold the fruits and vegetables, but those bags can be reused.

Perhaps a deeper study could be done on reducing the amount of plastics that retailers such as supermarkets use.
They should turn to alternatives as part of Singapore’s continuing efforts to be sustainable.

Benny Lai Zhao Wei