Remember all these the next time you vote

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Forum: Insurance company making it hard for policyholders to have continuity of care​

APR 07, 2024

I have been a loyal policyholder of Income Insurance for decades, with six policies with the company. However, Income Insurance has introduced new terms and conditions regarding panel and non-panel specialist doctors in its Integrated Shield Plans.
I had a long-established patient-doctor relationship with my specialist doctor A. When I needed an operation, I was informed that I would need to pay a $2,000 non-panel deductible if I continued treatment with doctor A, as she is not on Income Insurance’s panel. I was advised to see another specialist, doctor B, who was on Income Insurance’s panel, to avoid paying the deductible.
Now, I have learnt that doctor B has left Income Insurance’s panel, and I would have to find a new doctor to continue my care.
Some of my friends have faced similar issues, needing to change their specialist doctors due to Income Insurance’s mandate to use panel doctors, or pay the deductible, which is up to $2,000 in each policy year.
This policy may affect patient autonomy, and continuity of care. It also increases healthcare costs, as new doctors may need to repeat previous tests and procedures and re-evaluate the previous treatment plan.
Continuity of care is essential for managing chronic conditions, ensuring accurate diagnoses, and fostering trust between patients and their healthcare providers.
This policy does not seem to be in line with the Ministry of Health’s Healthier SG programme that encourages us to stay with one doctor to develop and enjoy a long-term trusted relationship.

I hope Income Insurance will reconsider this policy and uphold the principles of patient-centred care and fairness that prioritise the well-being of policyholders.

Ng Sout San

Forum: Insurance companies should be transparent about how they pay doctors​

APR 10, 2024

I refer to Ms Ng Sout San’s letter “Insurance company making it hard for policyholders to have continuity of care” (April 8).
As doctors and insurers continue to debate over remuneration amounts and the role of panels, we sometimes forget the people we are serving –our patients. As a breast surgeon myself, whenever I speak up on such matters, I might be perceived by some as self-serving. Therefore, I am glad members of the public are speaking up about what they need.
All of us need access to healthcare at some point in our lives. We must take an active interest in open discussion to better shape policy.
Patients should have access to any doctor of their choice. I have heard ad nauseum the same old arguments of how panels help to reduce costs, and accusations of overcharging by doctors and hospitals. The Ministry of Health has stepped up efforts to rein in these costs. I call for transparency in how insurance companies remunerate doctors. Currently, contracts with non-disclosure clauses are signed between doctor and insurer when they enter a panel, with all the caveats and limitations to adhere to.
Just as common procedure and hospital fee benchmarks are listed in public domains, I propose that insurers should also let their policyholders (or even the public) know about their fee schedules for common procedures.
In addition, I propose that a modified reimbursement be considered–where a company offers a certain fee, but patients can choose to top up the difference for a highly skilled and experienced doctor that they choose. This has multiple benefits where doctors will be mindful of fees and charge appropriately, and patients will be truly empowered to decide where they go for treatment.
Every month, new doctors join the private sector. Are insurers keeping up with reviewing and expanding their panels to include these doctors who can bring new skill sets and knowledge to help patients?

I fully respect the work and necessity of insurers in paying for healthcare bills. I am committed to creating a fair ecosystem, and for always putting patients first. Let all the stakeholders collaborate in educating patients, so that they can make an informed choice in which insurer they use, which doctor they choose and which hospital they go to.

Tan Yia Swam (Dr)

 

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How the high cost of living is hitting Singapore's poor​

31 January 2022
By Mariko Oi,Asia business correspondent

OK Chicken Rice
Chicken rice stalls have seen higher costs of ingredients, electricity and labour
In South East Asia you don't get much more of a staple food than chicken rice. Found in almost every food court and hawker centre, it is considered one of Singapore's national dishes.

Daniel Tan, who owns six chicken rice stalls, has previously charged $2.20 (£1.60) for a small portion. But Covid has seen the cost of his ingredients rise sharply.

The price of chicken has gone up by 50% and vegetable costs have more than doubled since January 2020, he says.

"We've been absorbing the costs for a significant period of time," he tells me as we meet at one of his OK Chicken Rice stalls in the north of Singapore.

"When the pandemic hit our first thought was this was a short-term emergency - six months, maybe a year - so we held [prices] for as long as we can because we were hoping for the whole thing to be over."

Getty Images
Lower rice prices mean that inflation has been more muted across Asia than elsewhere in the world
But when his electricity bills also jumped, Mr Tan decided it was time to raise prices. "A thousand dollar electrical bill for a chicken rice store really is not sustainable," he says.

"If I go on any further, either my staff are not paid or I have to close down some stores and that's not what we want to do."

Due to border closures and new employment regulations, Mr Tan has faced staff shortages and higher salaries, which all feed into rising costs for his business.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says global food prices rose 28% in 2021.


"The last time food prices were this high was in 2011, when policymakers were actually warning about a global food crisis," says Dr Abdul Abiad of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

These latest price rises are due to higher energy costs, which affect food and fertiliser production, with global supply chain issues compounding the problem.

Even in a wealthy nation like Singapore, it means that the number of families seeking help has increased.


"What we have seen when we make the door-to-door deliveries is that young families [with] both husband and wife working a part-time job or in the gig economy - these were the families that got impacted when Covid hit and all the part-time work dried up," says Nichol Ng, co-founder of Food Bank Singapore.

It is not just the poorest 10% of the population who now need help, she says: "It has slowly crept to maybe 20% of the population including middle income families that might not even know where to get help in the first place."

And it is also not just higher food prices that are affecting those in need. "Due to Covid, everybody's self-awareness about looking after themselves in terms of hygiene has increased," says Ms Ng.

Nichol Ng of the Food Bank Singapore says she has seen a rise in people asking for help
But higher palm oil prices mean that shampoos, hand soaps and sanitisers have also become a lot more expensive.


"Up to 20% of our requests thus far, especially starting from the second half of last year, has been pivoting towards personal hygiene products," she adds.

Ms Ng is also concerned that the current wave of inflation does not seem to be temporary. "In the past, at certain times of the year, you might see these price surges but it seems that this inflation is going to be persistent - and none of us really have that crystal ball to understand when it is going to end," she says.

Elsewhere in the region the impact of higher prices is even more severe. The latest FAO report shows more than 375 million people in Asia faced hunger in 2020, an increase of 54 million from the previous year.

In 2020, the Global Food Banking Network saw the number of people needing help increase by more than 130% to 40m, with half of them living in Asia.

This is despite the fact that food price increases in Asia have been more muted than in the US or Europe, where inflation has soared to levels not seen in decades.

There are several reasons for this, including a good rice harvest in 2021, says the ADB's Dr Abiad. While maize prices rose 44% last year and wheat by 31% , rice prices dropped 4% . "So rice being the main staple in many Asian economies contributed to a food price inflation being lower in the region," he says.

Asian nations also produce a lot of their own food, which has been sold in domestic markets rather than being exported. Governments have also been working to ensure that food supplies have been stable, says Dr Abiad.

In the Philippines, for example, liberalisation of rice imports has allowed the supply of rice to improve which has kept prices low.


Meanwhile, China has been stockpiling various important food products, which has resulted in it bucking the trend, with the country's food prices falling in 2021.

But it has also led to criticism that the world's second biggest economy, which accounts for 20% of global population, is hoarding supplies as it is estimated to hold 69% of the world's corn reserves, 60% of its rice and 51% of its wheat by mid-2022, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Getty Images
Global food prices are expected to remain high in 2022
Singapore imports the majority of its foodstuffs, but so far big supermarket chains like NTUC FairPrice have decided not to pass on higher prices to consumers.

To keep the prices of key products stable, the firm says it is employing various strategies including "stockpiling of daily essentials, forward buying and diversifying our import sources to over 100 countries".


NTUC FairPrice also has more than 2,000 own-brand products such as rice, oil, toiletries and cleaning products that it says are at least 10% cheaper than comparable popular brands.

Mr Tan of OK Chicken Rice, who also owns three mini supermarkets, says smaller retailers tend to take their cue from larger rivals when pricing goods.

"They act like a central bank to the rest of the grocery players in Singapore. The good thing about it is that inflation doesn't spike up as much during a crisis but the bad side effect is that entrepreneurship is stifled and only semi-government players can survive," he says.

Daniel Tan
Daniel Tan also owns minimarts which have also seen higher costs
"The question is, after the whole thing is over how many smaller players are left?" asks Mr Tan.


Global food prices are expected to remain high this year and the FAO's David Dawe says this is of concern for Asian governments because price hikes have not yet worked their way through the system.

"If global prices continue to rise, there will be an impact, especially for lower income families who spend bigger proportion of their income on food."

Economists like Mr Dawe and Dr Abiad remain optimistic that Asian countries will continue to be shielded from double-digit food inflation.

But for those on the ground, like Mr Tan and Ms Ng, the issue feels more acute. They wonder whether higher prices, rather than being transitory, will linger on just as the pandemic has.

 

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Forum: Address power imbalance between IP insurers and policyholders​

APR 27, 2024

Numerous letters to the Forum have highlighted the issues of Integrated Shield Plan (IP) panels, from the perspective of policyholders and doctors. This was followed by an Opinion piece “How to fix S’pore’s healthcare insurance and preserve care continuity for patients” (April 25).
Policyholders with private IPs are steered towards panel specialists to get benefits, or to avoid incurring extra out-of-pocket costs.
The enrolment and removal of panel specialists are entirely at the discretion of the insurers. Many specialists, especially those new to private practice, continue to have difficulty getting onto panels.
Long-term policyholders have been adversely affected by panel restrictions, but are unable to change insurers (Insurer making it hard for policyholders to have continuity of care, April 7).
Doctors have pointed out that steering patients to panel doctors may affect the timeliness of urgent care, and disrupt existing patient-doctor relationships. (Abolish medical panels – they negatively impact patient care, stifle competition, April 12; and Should patient-doctor relationship be cornerstone of healthcare system? April 17).
There has also been increased scrutiny of claims, which may delay claims settlement.
There is a power imbalance between IP insurers and their policyholders. Insurers are free to vary the terms and conditions of the policy by serving notice to policyholders.

Even if policyholders disagree with changes in terms and conditions, they may feel compelled to accept them, as any medical condition they have developed over the years would be considered as pre-existing conditions by other insurers.
Other insurers may impose premium loading, exclude coverage of pre-existing conditions, or reject coverage altogether.
Panels were implemented by IP insurers to mitigate healthcare inflation.
The Singapore Medical Association feels that doctor fee inflation has been adequately addressed through the Ministry of Health (MOH) fee benchmarks, as well as efforts by the MOH claims management office to reduce inappropriate claims.
We continue to recommend that IP panels be open to all specialists who undertake to charge reasonably, or alternatively to have panels abolished.
To address the issue of power imbalance, stakeholders and regulators could look into whether changes in insurance design, such as the portability of IPs, would be beneficial. If policyholders can change their IPs without losing coverage for pre-existing conditions, it could promote healthy competition among insurers and ensure that policyholders get a fair deal.

Ng Chee Kwan (Dr)
President
Singapore Medical Association

 

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Singtel flags $3.1 billion impairment hit, net loss in second half of FY2024​

About $2 billion of the impairment provisions originate from its Australian unit Optus’ goodwill, Singtel said. PHOTO: ST FILE
UPDATED

APR 29, 2024

BENGALURU - Singtel on April 29 forecast non-cash impairment provisions of $3.1 billion for the second half of financial year 2024 which would lead to the telecom giant reporting a net loss for the period.
The company also warned that it would report a lower net profit for the full year ended March 31, 2024.
About $2 billion of the total impairment provision originates from its Australian unit Optus’ goodwill, Singtel said in its bourse filing.
An “impending deal” for Optus was recently ruled out by Singtel following reports that talks for a potential stake divestment had fallen off.
Singtel added that Optus expects a non-cash impairment provisions of $470 million on its enterprise fixed access network assets, mainly due to weaker prospects, increased cost of capital and a bleak macroeconomic outlook.
After conducting a strategic review of its enterprise business, Optus found that it was reporting steep declines in fixed carriage revenue, in-line with an overall market decline in Australia, the Singtel filing stated.
Among other units, the Asia Pacific cyber security business is expected to report non-cash impairment provision for goodwill of $340 million, with $280 million of the same expected from IT service provider NCS Australia.

Singtel said the impairment provisions will not impact the payment of dividends. “Singtel is on track to pay at the upper end of its dividend policy for the financial year ended 31 March 2024,” it said in the filing.
The company is scheduled to report results for the financial year ended March 31 on May 23.
In a separate announcement on April 29, Singtel said its unit Optus struck a deal with local rival TPG Telecom to provide access to its local radio network in regional Australia.
As a part of the agreement, TPG will increase its mobile network in regional Australia to 2,444 network sites, with Optus providing TPG Telecom access to its regional radio access network and sharing spectrum in regional Australia.
“The agreement will reduce combined 5G network rollout costs in regional Australia, which will enable the rollout of 5G infrastructure to be completed two years earlier than previously planned,” said Optus interim chief executive Michael Venter.
The agreement is expected to be operational by early 2025 and has an initial term of 11 years with an option for TPG to extend it for five more years. REUTERS

 

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Motorists can opt to install next-gen ERP processing units at driver’s footwell: LTA​

The LTA has made changes to address feedback after the units were installed in over 18,000 vehicles. PHOTOS: LTA

Ang Qing

MAY 02


SINGAPORE - Motorists can opt to install the processing unit for their next-generation Electronic Road Pricing system (ERP 2.0) on-board equipment in the driver’s footwell, if their vehicle allows it, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
In a statement on May 2, LTA said vehicle owners can choose to install the unit in either the driver’s or the front passenger’s footwell, but they can opt for the units to be installed in other parts of their vehicle if these locations are not feasible, subject to safety considerations and technical feasibility.
The change is among improvements to the ERP on-board unit’s features and installation process rolled out by LTA to address feedback after the units were installed in more than 18,000 vehicles.
The on-board unit has three components: the processing unit, an antenna and a touchscreen display.
LTA’s statement came in the wake of complaints in recent weeks from motorists who said the location of the ERP 2.0 processing unit at the passenger’s side of the vehicle made it difficult and unsafe for drivers who had to reach for cards lodged there while they are in the driver’s seat.
LTA said it has also introduced a button on the unit’s touchscreen display since April 19 following safety concerns raised by motorists.
The feature allows drivers to deactivate their payment cards by pressing a button on the unit’s touchscreen display. This allows them to use complimentary parking tickets at carpark gantries without removing their payment cards from the processing unit.

Should drivers forget to reactivate the card after leaving the carpark, it will not affect their ERP payments as the correct amount will still be deducted from the card balance when their vehicles reach an active ERP gantry, it added.
Payment firm Nets will also give a free Motoring Card to all motorists with the new ERP 2.0 unit, so drivers can tap this card to enter or exit some private car parks without the Electronic Parking System, instead of reaching for payment cards lodged in their processing unit.
Nets will announce more details in due course, said LTA.

At present, most private carparks and all public carparks use the Electronic Parking System.
The installation exercise for the new on-board units began with fleet vehicles, such as buses and motorcycles, in November 2023.
New vehicles registered since May 1 would have been pre-fitted with equipment for the next-generation ERP system.
The authority said it has instructed all motor dealers and importers to consult buyers of new vehicles on where they would like the processing unit positioned, and whether they want to install the touchscreen display.
Said LTA: “For owners who choose not to install the touchscreen display, they will still receive a unit of the touchscreen display, so that they have the option to install the display if they change their minds subsequently.”

With the deactivation function and the free Nets card, the only other time motorists may have to remove their payment card would be to manually top up the cards.
LTA said it will deploy ambassadors to vehicle showrooms and workshops to guide motorists through their options, which include teaching them how to automatically top up their payment cards.
It said: “With auto top-up, a vehicle owner does not need to remove his card from the processing unit when the balance is low, as the top-up will be done automatically.”
LTA said it has received positive feedback from early adopters who appreciated the safety notifications from the on-board units on school zones, silver zones and bus-lane hours, as these have helped raise awareness of their surroundings and enhance road safety.
The authority said it is working with the Traffic Police to expand the safety notifications to include more speed-camera zones, including red-light cameras and mobile cameras, to remind motorists to keep within the speed limits.

These extra features will be pushed out to motorists wirelessly after the units are installed, so motorists will not have to take their vehicles back to workshops for the upgrades, said LTA.
It added: “We appreciate the early adopters who stepped forward and provided useful feedback to improve our design and installation process.
“LTA has taken on board the learning points and suggestions for improvement, and made changes to enhance user choice, convenience and safety.”
The next-generation ERP system is based on satellite navigation technology and replaces the outgoing 25-year-old system. When it is fully rolled out, there will be no need to rely on physical gantries to run the ERP system.

 

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DBS/POSB digital banking services down for some customers​

This includes logging into their bank accounts on their apps and using PayLah!. PHOTOS: ST READER

Ang Qing

MAY 02, 2024


SINGAPORE - Some users of DBS/POSB’s digital services have reported difficulties accessing Singapore’s biggest bank’s services since about 5.40pm.
This includes logging into their bank accounts on their apps and using PayLah!.
The Downdetector website, which tracks service disruptions, recorded a total of more than 2,200 reports from users who had issues with DBS and POSB’s services at about 6.10pm.
This comes two days after the Monetary Authority of Singapore said it will lift restrictions on the bank’s non-essential banking activities, which had been imposed in response to disruptions to the bank’s services in 2023.
The Straits Times has contacted DBS Bank and the Monetary Authority of Singapore for comment.

 

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Hawker food prices rose by 6.1% in 2023, but cost pressures easing​

The Singapore Department of Statistics study compared prices of food across hawker centres, coffee shops and foodcourts. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Shermaine Ang, Jordan Loo and Taryn Ng

MAY 26, 2024

SINGAPORE - Hawker food prices rose by 6.1 per cent in 2023, the highest since 2008, a new study by the Singapore Department of Statistics (SingStat) found.
For example, the average cost of a plate of chicken rice in 2023 was $4.15, up from $3.40 in 2019, while that of a bowl of mee rebus went up from $3.26 to $3.79 in the same time period.
While some cost pressures have since eased – with hawker food inflation falling to 4.1 per cent in December 2023 after peaking at 8.3 per cent in February 2023 – this may not translate to cheaper eats.
Price increases were driven partly by factors such as pricier raw food ingredients due to supply chain disruptions triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and compounded by other events such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the study found.
They have since moderated because global energy and food commodity prices fell significantly between February and December 2023, said the Ministry of Trade and Industry, pointing out that the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate also appreciated.
“This abated cost pressures faced by F&B (food and beverage) service providers, including hawkers, in terms of imported raw ingredients, electricity and gas,” it said.
It expects hawker food inflation to ease further in 2024 if cost conditions stay favourable.

Global prices of most food commodities such as cereals, meat and dairy are likely to continue falling due to favourable global supply conditions, and the Singapore dollar trade-weighted exchange rate is gradually strengthening, it said.
The study, published on May 6, compared the 6.1 per cent jump in overall hawker food prices in 2023 with the average price increase of 2.2 per cent per year observed from 2012 to 2022.
It compared prices of food across hawker centres, coffee shops and foodcourts, using the consumer price index for hawker food, which measures the average price changes across more than 100 hawker food items from 1,700 stalls. A total of 16 commonly sold food items and beverages were analysed.

In response to queries, SingStat said price increases were also observed at restaurants, which saw a 5.9 per cent increase, and in fast food, which was up 7.7 per cent.
SingStat’s study also found that at hawker centres, drinks saw the largest price increase of 6.9 per cent, while at coffee shops and foodcourts, prices of noodle and rice items recorded the largest increases of 8 per cent and 6.5 per cent, respectively.
CGS International economic adviser Song Seng Wun said prices of ingredients are affected by global trends such as climate change and war, which drove up prices of cooking oil, chicken, sugar and cocoa, among other ingredients.
The price spike in 2023 could also have been because some hawkers chose to raise prices at one go, rather than have incremental increases every year, said Dr Teo Kay Key, a research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies. This finding was similar to results from her 2023 study on food prices called the Makan Index project.
“Stall owners might have waited for the cost increases in different areas, such as utilities, rent, GST (goods and services tax), ingredients, and delivery, logistics or supply chain, to stabilise somewhat before deciding on the exact price increase, and to do a larger increase at one go.”

Professor Lawrence Loh from NUS Business School said the easing of hawker food inflation may also be due to fewer increases in rent, which make up the bulk of operating costs for hawkers, alongside manpower and ingredients.
SingStat’s study noted that food prices and price increases were lower at hawker centres than at coffee shops and foodcourts.
At hawker centres, the median rent for cooked food stallholders not on a subsidised scheme has remained at around $1,250 per month over the last 10 years, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said in September 2023.
The monthly rent for operators of eating houses – coffee shops that can each house at least six stalls – can range from $6,500 to $68,888, according to the Housing Board’s past tender results.

Mulling over keeping prices low​

Hokkien mee hawker Mitchell Ong, 26, who has a stall at Golden Mile Food Centre, said ingredient and electricity costs are the key challenges he faces in keeping prices low.
The cost of 1kg of lime rose from $4 to $6 after the GST hike, and electricity prices went up from about $1,000 to $1,800 a month.
This drove him to raise prices for a plate of hokkien mee by $1, to $5, $6 and $7 currently, depending on the portion size.
When asked how he keeps costs low, he said: “I cut down on my own expenses, cutting down on my meals from three to two a day. I also work longer hours now... (previously I worked) from 11.30am to 8pm, (now I work) from 10.30am to 9pm, or even 10pm.”
Mr Fadzil Mohd Alip, 28, a hawker at a halal Western food store in Golden Mile Food Centre, said: “Generally, protein prices increased the most during the GST hike. Increasing costs of oil, electricity and dried goods are more manageable.”
He raised the price of his chicken chop from $7.50 to $8.50 in February, but added two side dishes, baked beans and garlic bread, on top of the original fries and coleslaw.

Mr Fadzil Mohd Alip (left) and Mr Mohamed Amrizuhairi Mohamed Amin, co-owners of Charr’d The Hawker stall. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Observers said hawker centres usually have more than one stall selling the same dish, and this increases the competition for customers.
Dr Teo said: “Stall owners might be less willing to do a drastic increase since that would make their competitors’ food cheaper and perhaps more popular in comparison.”
In addition, some hawkers are of the pioneer batches that were relocated from the streets into hawker centres, and pay a subsidised rent, she said. Ms Fu had said that they typically pay $192, $320, or $384 per month, depending on the upgrading works done at their hawker centre.
But given that these hawkers are decreasing in number, Singapore could see larger price increases for hawker centre food in the future, Dr Teo added.


The increase in prices of hawker food has not gone unnoticed among diners The Straits Times spoke to.
Ms Esther Tay, a diner at Koufu Toa Payoh Central, orders a cup of kopi-o every lunch break. The 49-year-old real estate agent noted that although kopi-o is already the cheapest option, its price has increased by 20 per cent at some places.
“There’s a place at Clementi that sold a cup of kopi-o for $1.10, but when I went back after about two or three weeks, the price had increased to $1.40. I have to buy it, even though it’s expensive, because I need it.”
Ms Jackie Wong, 70, a retired clerk, said that she will turn to cheaper alternatives to a prawn mee stall she frequents if the price of the dish – which has gone up from $4 to $5 in the past two years – increases too much. But she is willing to pay more for higher-quality food and drinks, such as coffee from a stall called Kopi More at Golden Mile Food Centre.
“The first time I came here, it was only $1.80, but it slowly increased to $2.50 as of late,” she said.
“Kopi More coffee is made by the cup (not in bulk) and has better coffee beans than others. Nowadays, coffee already costs $1.50 to $1.60; I find it worth it to top up for a tastier cup of coffee.”

 

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Forum: Rising prices of hawker food​

MAY 28, 2024

I was surprised to read that a Singapore Department of Statistics study found that hawker food prices rose by only 6.1 per cent in 2023, as I believe the prices were understated (Hawker food prices rose by 6.1% in 2023, but cost pressures easing, May 26).

Consumers are aware that the price of hawker food, especially in 2023, rose by at least 50 cents to a dollar, amounting to an increase of at least 20 per cent.
Moreover, the food operators try to cut corners by reducing the quantity of food served, hoping that the customers will order a bigger plate and pay more.

The survey should look not only at the prices but also the quality of the food served.

We do not mind paying more for our food provided we get value for money.

Even after the price increase, it seems that there are fewer prawns in a plate of Hokkien mee and the quality of fishballs in a bowl of noodles has dropped.
Even the price of takeaway food containers has increased from 20 cents to 30 cents.

When consumers bring their own containers, the stallholders show their displeasure by asking the consumers to take off the lids and put back the lids themselves.

Harry Ong Heng Poh

 

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[Poll] Majority of Singaporeans Say The PAP Handled Inflation 'Badly'!​

More than half of Singaporeans think the government is handling inflation “badly,” according to a new poll, highlighting challenges facing the country’s leaders as the nation undergoes a political transition.

About 55% of respondents in the mid-May survey conducted by pollster Blackbox Research Pte. said the government was handling everyday price rises “badly.” Almost 20% said it was tackled “very badly,” while 36% felt it was dealt with “quite badly.” At the same time, 37% said the government was performing “quite well” and 7% said “very well.”

More than nine in 10 Singaporeans said inflation has affected their lives, with 37% indicating a “significant” impact, according to the poll based on interviews with 758 people aged 20 and above. It has a margin of error of 3%.

That sentiment is an indication of the challenges finance minister and prime minister in-waiting Lawrence Wong faces in convincing voters that the ruling People’s Action Party is doing enough to tackle sharp price rises. Many governments and central banks are acting in tandem to shield their citizens from the cost-of-living crisis sweeping the world.

“A perfect storm has emerged post-pandemic that will test the Singaporean government over the next 12 months as it not only seeks to bring about a speedy recovery but also bed in new political leadership,” said David Black, the founder and chief executive officer of Blackbox.

Singapore’s cost pressures have been persistent this year, prompting the central bank to tighten monetary policy and revise expectations for price-growth that could crimp the broader post-Covid growth recovery. While officials are hopeful that nominal wage growth will outpace inflation this year, economists see prices remaining elevated in the city-state through 2023.

Global inflation, exacerbated by supply-side pressures caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has filtered through to consumers worldwide, even as early signs of inflation peaking appear.

In an indication of the risks facing the city-state’s economic recovery as it emerges from strict Covid restrictions, respondents said they have cut back on their spending due to inflation, with nearly nine in 10 spending less on clothing, restaurants, and entertainment at cinemas and theaters.

Wong has committed to help residents to cope with consumption tax increases set to kick in initially next year in his maiden budget delivered in February.

About 57% of low-income respondents -- earning below S$2,500 ($1,800) a month -- said the government was doing badly, while 59% of medium-low income households, earning S$,2500 to S$6,600, felt the same, the survey showed.

Other key points from the poll include:

• Singaporeans are feeling the most inflation pain in petrol prices (35%), followed by utility prices (34%), and at supermarkets (28%)

• 66% of Singaporeans say they feel negatively about rising public housing prices

• Only 44% believe that they will be economically better off this year than 2021

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-10/majority-of-singaporeans-say-inflation-handled-badly-poll

 

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Forum: Instil greater road discipline with clearer rules and less tolerance of accidents​

MAY 30, 2024

Most residents in Singapore will agree that, compared with many other countries, our traffic system dangerously lacks discipline.
I think this is due to our misplaced tolerance and acceptance of minor accidents, a lack of rigour in traffic management, and a lack of enforcement.
Currently, traffic accidents that do not involve injury, hit-and-run and certain other criteria do not involve the Traffic Police.
Yet, these minor accidents often have similar root causes as major ones and often differ only in the particular circumstances. A habitually careless driver will go unnoticed by the law until he causes a major accident.
It is also common knowledge that drivers who cause minor accidents can escape or delay civil penalties by simply not reporting an accident, as reporting is not a statutory requirement.
Perhaps it is time to revert to the previous system where the Traffic Police were involved in all traffic accidents, minor or major.
Careless driving needs to be penalised, even for minor accidents, precisely so that it does not result in a death or injury under different circumstances.

Greater rigour is also needed in the traffic management system. Ambiguous signs such as “Slow” and “Reduce speed now” should be replaced with those with specific speed limits, which should be enforced as absolute limits. A speed limit sign must be accompanied by another indicating its end. “Stop” should be distinguished from “Give way”. Motorcyclists should not be allowed to straddle two lanes. Stop lines should not be crossed at traffic junctions.
More enforcement is also needed. Most residents who travel abroad will agree with me that they are more likely to get a traffic fine in many other countries than in Singapore.
Instilling greater discipline entails making the rules clearer, expecting compliance, and not tolerating any accident. Reverting to the previous policy of making all traffic accidents reportable to the Traffic Police will be a good start.

Ang Peng Seng

 

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Letter of the week: Have residents’ handbook outlining clear guidelines on HDB living​

Residents from different backgrounds and with different habits can clash, especially when some view the common corridor as their own space. PHOTOS: ST FILE, GAVIN FOO

JUL 19, 2024, 05:01 AM


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 let uncooperative HDB flat owners inconvenience neighbours​

JUL 23, 2024

HDB needs to be vested with more power to deal with uncooperative and recalcitrant owners who inconvenience others (Have residents’ handbook outlining clear guidelines on HDB living, July 19).
I am a new owner of a resale flat. After I took over the flat, I discovered the ceiling of the master bedroom toilet was leaking and reported it promptly to HDB in March. Nothing was done until the fourth report was made in April.
There was evidence of worn-out waterproofing from the HDB unit above. The owner of the unit delayed the waterproofing tests for weeks when HDB tried to engage him. A repair date was scheduled for July, but the owner cancelled on the date, citing financial difficulties. He asked to reschedule the repair to September.
I offered to pay more than my 50 per cent co-share of the cost, and pay 75 per cent to expedite the work so that I could move into my unit on time. HDB then informed me the flat owner had arranged privately with the HDB contractor for additional renovation work, and wanted to delay the repair till September.
This turn of events is bewildering. HDB seems to be accommodating an uncooperative owner, allowing him to delay critical repair work for six months, indirectly penalising and inconveniencing a cooperative owner who has been working patiently with HDB to resolve the issue.
I believe my experience is not isolated. Recalcitrant flat owners seem to be treated leniently, as reported in the media, over issues like noise nuisance and excessive cluttering, sometimes for years. This soft attitude reinforces the idea that it pays to be wayward, and culprits can act with little repercussion.

Chen JiaQing

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

'Greatly traumatised': Woman allegedly attacked by 5 after asking PMA rider to slow down​

The woman (second from left) said she was surrounded and repeatedly pushed to the ground by a group of PMA riders.
PHOTO: Oh

PUBLISHED ONJuly 29, 2024 2:12 PMByLim Kewei

After telling a personal mobility aid (PMA) rider to slow down, a woman found herself surrounded and allegedly attacked by the rider and four other people.
The woman, who wanted to be known only by her surname Oh, told AsiaOne on Monday (July 29) that she is now traumatised by the incident, which left her with a bruised lip and bleeding wounds.
The altercation occurred at around 4pm last Saturday (July 27) outside a condominium in Sembawang.
Oh, 46, was about to exit the condo to walk her dog when she spotted a PMA rider speeding past her and shouted at him to slow down.
Several other PMAs riders then rode past her and caught up to the first rider, who took off his slipper and walked towards her. A second rider also alighted and stood in front of her, said this accountant.
"They said something like I should be looking out for them, and not them looking out for me," she recounted to AsiaOne.
Subsequently, the first rider allegedly hit Oh's face with his slipper while the second rider pushed her, causing her phone and spectacles to fall. The woman was then pushed to the ground.
Despite attempting to get up and retrieve her phone, she was allegedly pushed back to the ground by a third rider and surrounded by five people.
"Though my external injuries were not serious, I was greatly traumatised by having five big-sized humans towering over me," said the woman.

The woman said the PMA riders did not apologise or help her up before leaving.
PHOTO: Oh
After the PMA riders left, workers from a nearby construction site checked on Oh and helped retrieve her spectacles, which she told AsiaOne is "totally damaged" and cannot be worn.
She also called the police, who took her statement. Paramedics helped treat the cuts and scrapes on her arms, elbow and knee.
Oh added that she is still experiencing some aches and pains and is worried about her safety as the group of riders supposedly live nearby, explaining that pet owners in her area had previously warned others in their shared group chat to be careful of them.
In response to AsiaOne's queries, the police said they were alerted to a call for assistance at 3 Sembawang Crescent at about 4.10pm that day. A 46-year-old woman sustained minor injuries but refused to be taken to hospital.
Four persons, aged between 36 and 41, are assisting with investigations for voluntarily causing hurt and intentional harassment. Police investigations are ongoing.

Concerns over PMA riders speeding​

In a parliament sitting this March, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng announced that the speed limit for PMAs will be reduced to 6kmh from the current 10kmh, following recommendations proposed by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) last December.
These changes were put forward amid rising concerns regarding the misuse of PMAs by able-bodied individuals, resulting in complaints from the public about dangerous riding, speeding, and over-sized PMAs.
"There are trade-offs involved and we expect pushback from some PMA users," said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat then.
"But we must be clear that between ensuring safety for residents and providing convenience for PMA users, safety must come first."

 

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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

 

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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

 

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Gas and electricity prices to increase from July to September​

The hike is due to an increase in energy costs, by 0.09 cents per kWh on average, said SP Group. PHOTO: ST FILE

Ang Qing

Jun 28, 2024

SINGAPORE - Gas and electricity tariffs will rise for the next three months.
From July 1 to Sept 30, those supplied by grid operator SP Group will see a 0.3 per cent increase in electricity tariffs compared with the previous quarter, the group said in a statement on June 28.
For households, this amounts to a tariff of 29.88 cents per kilowatt-hour before goods and services tax, up from 29.79 cents currently. The new tariff is still one cent lower than the first quarter of 2024.
With the new tariff, the average monthly electricity bill for families living in four-room Housing Board flats will rise by 35 cents before GST, increasing from $118.03 to $118.38.
The hike is due to an increase in energy costs, by 0.09 cents per kWh on average, said SP Group. These costs, which are paid to power generation companies, are adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the cost of fuel and power generation.
City Energy, the producer and retailer of piped gas, said in a separate statement on June 28 that town gas tariffs will increase by 0.30 cents per kWh over the same period, also due to higher costs.
This means households will pay 23.42 cents per kWh before GST, up from 23.12 cents.

With GST, the revised tariff amounts to 25.53 cents.
The revised gas tariffs were approved by the Energy Market Authority.

 

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So many outstanding offences and amount of fines not pursued until now.

S’pore agencies recover more than $460k in outstanding fines from foreign motorists over 3 days​

Between July 1 and July 3, 188 foreign motorists who entered Singapore via the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints were stopped and told to pay their outstanding summonses. PHOTO: ST FILE

Sarah Koh


Jul 13, 2024

SINGAPORE – More than 180 foreign motorists paid over $460,000 in outstanding fines for vehicular and traffic offences over a three-day operation in July.
During the July 1 to July 3 operation, 188 foreign motorists who entered Singapore via the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints were stopped and instructed to pay their outstanding summonses.
The operation was led by the Traffic Police and supported by officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Housing Board, Land Transport Authority, National Environment Agency and Urban Redevelopment Authority.
“The Singapore authorities regularly conduct operations against foreign motorists who commit offences in Singapore and do not settle their fines,” said a joint statement issued on July 12.
“Foreign motorists with outstanding fines for traffic, parking or vehicular emissions offences may be denied entry in Singapore.”
Motorists are urged to adhere to speed limits, obey traffic signals, park where it is legal, drive vehicles with allowable emission levels, and pay for Electronic Road Pricing, parking and fines.
Motorists are also advised to check for any outstanding fines at www.axs.com.sg. Fines can be paid at AXS’ kiosks, website and through mobile app. They can also be settled via the websites or customer service counters of the respective agencies.

 

[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