Questions to ask your PAP MP

[True Believer]

How does it feel staying in a GCB away from the HDB heartlands?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Take urgent steps before there are too many home intrusions by wildlife​

May 22, 2024

My family and I woke up a few days ago to the horrifying sight of all our koi and goldfish killed by otters. It wasn’t the first such incident in our estate as our friend who lives by the river has suffered attacks on fish three times before.
As otters are extremely protective of their young, should we take action only when a curious toddler is attacked when approaching a baby otter?
That same afternoon, we also spotted a monkey on our wall. We have lived in the east for 33 years and this was our first time seeing one at our house.
For years, monkeys in the Bukit Timah and Clementi areas have been harassing our friends who live there. Bacterial infection, rabies and herpes B virus can be potentially spread through monkey bites.
Another worrying sight is the number of chickens wandering around the island and even on the grounds of hospitals. Having to cull them in the event of an avian flu outbreak will be a nightmare.
I hope the authorities will realise the price of giving people in Singapore the “kampung” feel. We cannot expect wild animals to live in an urban city state without consequences.
Urgent steps need to be taken before there are too many intrusions into homes or diseases that are difficult to contain are spread. With the Covid-19 pandemic fresh in our minds, I hope something will be done swiftly to address these issues.

Loh Chwee Im

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Guard against overcrowding in new housing precincts​

May 23, 2024

Singapore’s urban planning is evolving, using data science for efficient land use and incorporating public consultation.
Recent announcements of new housing precincts, including those at the former Keppel Club site (within the Greater Southern Waterfront), Bayshore and Kampong Bugis, have also generated positive interest. Slated to be car-lite, community-centric and sustainable, with liberal green spaces, they aim to redefine how we live, work and play in the near future.
Planned densities for these sites are ambitious, with preliminary reports suggesting up to 10,000 new dwelling units to be built on 60ha, as in Bayshore.
Based on the 2023 Department of Statistics’ data, Singapore’s households averaged 3.11 residents. If this number holds, the Bayshore site, for instance, could house 31,000 residents, translating to densities of around 51,000 residents per sq km.
While Singapore’s land scarcity necessitates bold optimisation plans, are these projections overly optimistic? These densities significantly exceed those of existing townships, including mature estates with established infrastructure and other ancillary services. For example, Choa Chu Kang, the densest estate here, houses an average of 31,000 residents per sq km. The Marine Parade subzone, more similar in size and housing mix to the proposed precincts, has only 23,000 residents per sq km.
More importantly, how will such high densities impact the quality of life? Will future residents experience congestion and strained resources observed in densely populated places like Manhattan, Tokyo and Hong Kong, even though they are reasonably car-lite with efficient public transportation systems?
To ensure Singapore remains an inclusive and desirable place to live, work and play, thoughtful housing planning is critical.

Infrastructure, geographical limitations and demographics must be fully considered to prevent future overcrowding. The Urban Redevelopment Authority could perhaps provide further insights on this crucial aspect.

Ang Tun Loon

 

[True Believer]

The Forum writer, Loh Chwee Im should shift to a HDB flat on a high floor if she is so afraid of otters, monkeys and chickens. Why live in a house near a nature reserve? She should be more afraid that her hubby looks for chickens after office hours.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Spate of bus accidents is concerning​

Jun 12, 2024

I am concerned about the recent spate of bus accidents involving public transport services (Bus driver taken to hospital after 2 Tower Transit buses collide in Sembawang, June 9; 93-year-old among 5 taken to hospital after bus and trailer truck collide at Ophir Road junction, June 6; and Drivers taken to hospital after 2 buses, lorry collide in Pasir Ris, May 30).
The frequency of these accidents suggests there may be underlying issues that need urgent attention.
As frequent users of public transportation, we place our trust in bus companies to ensure our safety, but we must also recognise the crucial role that the well-being of bus captains plays in this equation.
Driving a bus requires constant vigilance, quick decision-making and impeccable coordination. Fatigue significantly impairs these abilities, increasing the risk of accidents. Without adequate rest, their ability to perform their duties safely diminishes, putting everyone on the road at risk.
To mitigate such risks, bus companies must implement comprehensive strategies that prioritise the health and well-being of their employees. They should also foster a work environment where bus captains feel comfortable discussing their concerns without fear of retribution. Open communication can help identify issues early and allow for timely interventions.
The safety of our daily commute depends on the well-being of those at the wheel.

Gabriel Chia Sit Loke

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Difficulties in getting medication for my child​

Jun 13, 2024

I would like to share an unpleasant healthcare experience involving my 3½-year-old child.
We visited a general practitioner (GP) who, after diagnosing my child with thrush, prescribed medication. But the clinic did not have it in stock.
We then discovered that the medication had been out of stock nearly everywhere for almost a year, according to various pharmacies.
Desperate, we went to a private hospital in the vicinity but were denied medication from the hospital pharmacy because the GP was not registered under the same hospital group.
We were instructed to give the GP a physical form to fill out to have the prescription filled at the hospital pharmacy, which we could not do as the clinic had closed for lunch.
We were offered the option of consulting the paediatrician at the hospital after lunch, and then getting the medication.
However, by the time my child woke up from her nap at 3pm, the paediatrician’s clinic said it was not accepting walk-ins any more, although its opening hours were till 4pm. I had to beg the clinic staff to make an exception while we rushed down to the hospital.

Finally, we consulted the paediatrician and obtained the medication. Including the consultation and prescription fee paid to the GP in the morning, it cost us more than $200.
There was a significant waste of time, resources and money, and the episode caused undue stress and discomfort to my child who needed timely medical treatment.
It is unacceptable that a valid clinical prescription is not immediately accepted at a hospital pharmacy merely because the doctor is not part of the same medical group. Such policies are detrimental to patient care and need urgent review.
I am also curious how the supply of medication is managed in Singapore.
Not having easy and timely access to medication in a First World country like Singapore adds an unnecessary burden to parenting and affects the well-being of our children.

Claudia Wong Siying

 

[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

 

[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

 

[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

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Let supermarket customers use own bags to hold items before payment​

Aug 06, 2024


FairPrice recently implemented a new policy that lets shoppers use their personal shopping bags and trolleys only after they have paid for their groceries at the cashier. The aim of this move appears to be to prevent theft.
Ever since plastic bag charges were imposed at all major supermarkets, many shoppers have been using their own reusable bags and trolleys to hold groceries before they head to the cashier.
For instance, I bulk-buy heavy items such as dairy products and rice, and using a personal trolley was often the most convenient way to hold my purchases before payment.
FairPrice’s new policy means that shoppers will now have to use the supermarket’s green baskets or metal trolleys, while lugging their personal bags or trolleys as they shop.
Many neighbourhood FairPrice outlets have narrow aisles which make handling more than one trolley challenging and unsafe for shoppers.
My mother, who is in her 70s, has to resort to kicking the green basket along the floor because she has no strength to carry the heavy basket once it is filled with groceries. At the same time, she has to pull her own empty shopping trolley along. If she uses the supermarket’s trolley, there isn’t much space to put her personal trolley inside too.
She was advised by a FairPrice staff member to buy its house-brand metal trolley costing around $47. I presume that a metal trolley like this lets staff see clearly that shoppers are not hiding any item during payment, unlike when they use their own bags.

FairPrice should prioritise its customers’ safety and convenience and make it easier for them to shop using their own reusable bags and trolleys while doing their bit for the environment.

Albert Foo

 

[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]

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

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Beef up alternative transport options to cope with rail disruptions​

Oct 01, 2024


The recent East-West Line train disruption left many commuters, including myself, with limited options to get home (East-West Line MRT disruption: How a faulty train left a trail of destruction, Sept 27).
It also reminded me of an issue I have found increasingly pertinent: Singapore’s transport system seems to have a distinct lack of alternative options.
During a rail disruption, free bridging bus services are offered between affected stations.
However, these are insufficient to overcome the loss in capacity from MRT trains being out of operation, especially during peak hours.
Lines such as the North-East Line, the only line that serves the densely populated north-east, and the Circle Line, a key line for interchanges, are already crowded even outside peak hours, and past breakdowns on those lines have proven that reinforcement is needed.
The East-West Line going out of order raises another issue, namely that the line’s western section has a lack of nearby alternatives.
The Downtown Line is the only parallel line, and there are few bus routes through the mostly landed estates of Bukit Timah, rendering the Downtown Line a poor substitute for affected commuters until the Cross Island Line connects the two by 2032.

Building more connections between Jurong and the south, such as with the proposed Jurong Region Line extension to Haw Par Villa, should minimise the pain that such breakdowns cause in the future.
Yet, bus routes running parallel to MRT lines have been cut, reducing capacity along those corridors as a whole. It was only public pressure that reversed some of these decisions, such as in the case of bus service 167 in 2023.
This has left commuters with subpar alternatives during an MRT breakdown.
Given these points, I hope that the Land Transport Authority will seriously reconsider its approach to dealing with parallel bus routes, and further develop rail lines to increase rail capacity as soon as possible.

Roderick Foo Sheng Heng

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Disappointed by results of renovation at hawker centre​

Oct 29, 2024


The Old Airport Road Food Centre was recently renovated. How much did the Government spend on the works, which required the centre to be closed for four months?
New flooring, tables and chairs were installed.
However, despite the installation of larger ceiling fans, ventilation remains poor because there is no proper suction system and smoke emitted from the barbecuing and deep-frying accumulates and makes people cough.
Cooks and helpers also have to work in very cramped conditions.
With the installation of the new tables and chairs, the walkways seem narrower. There is little aisle space for diners to walk through.
Those using mobility vehicles or wheelchairs find it impossible to navigate between tables.
Residents and visitors are disappointed by the results of the renovation.

The National Environment Agency may have done a great job in grading hawkers on hygiene; it must now step up and improve the working conditions of hawkers.

Lim Kee Yong

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: SGH can improve response time for online bookings​

Nov 18, 2024

In the interest of useful feedback, I would like to share a recent personal experience of making an appointment at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) with a specific doctor in mind.

I decided to go for an online booking by e-mail with SGH, as this was possible on its website.

After providing all the necessary information and receiving an e-mail confirmation of my request, I waited for a response.

After four days, I decided to telephone the SGH hotline for appointments. A polite woman at the other end attended to me and within a few minutes, I got a verbal confirmation of a date and time of appointment with my desired doctor.

I find it unacceptable that SGH has a dedicated digital link for making appointments but it is unable to respond speedily within a reasonable timeframe.

I consider a maximum of two working days or 48 hours to be reasonable to reply to a patient. SGH should review its standard operating procedures to remedy this shortcoming. Otherwise, more people like me will only call the SGH hotline.

Raymond Koh Bock Swi