Remember all these the next time you vote

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Lawyer and MP Christopher de Souza found guilty of professional misconduct, denies charge​

The tribunal found there was cause of sufficient gravity for Mr Christopher de Souza to face disciplinary sanction before the Court of Three Judges. PHOTO: GOV.SG

Selina Lum
Senior Law Correspondent

DEC 7, 2022

SINGAPORE - Lawyer Christopher de Souza has been found guilty of professional misconduct by a disciplinary tribunal.
Mr de Souza, who is the current Deputy Speaker of Parliament and an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, was found guilty of a charge relating to his conduct while he was acting for his clients, Amber Compounding Pharmacy and Amber Laboratories.
The tribunal found that Mr de Souza had not made full and frank disclosure to the court when he was aware that his client had breached the conditions of a search order.
In fact, he helped his client prepare and file an affidavit that did not exhibit certain documents which would have revealed that Amber had breached its undertaking.
The case centred on Amber obtaining certain documents through a search order in 2018.
Amber filed a High Court suit on Feb 14, 2018, against its former employee and the new company she had set up for allegedly stealing its trade secrets.
Initially represented by law firm Dodwell & Co, Amber obtained a search order on April 13, 2018, against the defendants, subject to an undertaking that Amber was not to use the documents without further order.

On April 17, 2018, a total of 116,298 documents were seized.
Between July 31 and Oct 22 in 2018, Amber used 10 of the documents to make reports to the police, the Manpower Ministry and the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau against the defendants.
This breached its undertaking not to use the documents.

Amber approached law firm Lee & Lee on Nov 28, 2018, to act for it in relation to the criminal complaints against the defendants while Dodwell & Co continued with the suit.
Mr de Souza, a partner at Lee & Lee, knew by Dec 5, 2018, that the documents had been used by Amber. He and his firm took over the suit on Dec 14.
Despite this, he helped a representative of Amber, Mr Samuel Sudesh Thaddaeus, file an affidavit on Jan 28, 2019, which did not reveal the breaches.
“The crux of the matter is what the respondent should have done upon discovery of the use of the documents and information by Amber, and specifically whether he should have informed the court and opposing counsel of the breach of the undertakings,” said the disciplinary tribunal.

In its report published on Monday, the two-member tribunal, comprising Senior Counsel N. Sreenivasan and Mr Pradeep Pillai, said Mr de Souza knew there was a duty to disclose the prior use of the documents.
“We are of the view that the failure to make such full and frank disclosure amounted to suppression of evidence by Amber, and by filing the supporting affidavit, the respondent was a party to and assisted in such suppression,” said the tribunal.
It found that there was cause of sufficient gravity for Mr de Souza to face disciplinary sanction before the Court of Three Judges on one of the five charges brought against him by the Law Society.
The tribunal dismissed the other four charges.
The Court of Three Judges, which is the highest disciplinary body for the legal profession, has the power to suspend or disbar lawyers.
When contacted for comment, Mr de Souza’s lawyers from WongPartnership said: “There is no question that Mr de Souza had acted with utmost integrity in the conduct of this matter at all times. Four of the five charges were dismissed.
“As regards the remaining charge, this is a matter now before the Court of Three Judges, and it is not appropriate for us to comment on the merits at this juncture. Suffice to say that we will strenuously resist it and argue that it too should be dismissed.”
The People’s Action Party said in a statement on Tuesday that it will determine the course of action necessary after the court gives its verdict.
“Mr de Souza has informed us that he denies any wrongdoing. He will argue his case on the one charge, on appeal before the Court of Three Judges,” said the party.
It added that integrity, honesty and incorruptibility are fundamental to the party, and that it expects all MPs to uphold the highest standards.

The disciplinary proceedings arose from a letter dated Sept 9, 2020, issued on behalf of the Court of Appeal, by the deputy registrar of the Supreme Court, to the Law Society of Singapore.
The complaint was referred to an independent inquiry committee, which was convened on Jan 13, 2021.
The inquiry committee found that Mr de Souza had breached his paramount duty to the court, which may be deemed misconduct under the Legal Profession Act, and recommended that he be fined $2,000.
The committee did not form the view that a formal investigation by a disciplinary tribunal was necessary.
The Law Society council disagreed with the findings of the inquiry committee and applied on Nov 5, 2021, to Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon for the appointment of a disciplinary tribunal.
This tribunal was appointed by the Chief Justice to hear and investigate the matter on Nov 19, 2021.
Over five days between April 6 and April 12, 2022, the tribunal heard oral testimony. Closing submissions were made on Aug 29.
The tribunal found sufficient cause in only one of the five charges that the Law Society brought against Mr de Souza.
The tribunal accepted that Mr de Souza had tried to persuade the client to make full disclosure. But the lawyer’s own failure to make such disclosure was not exculpated by the conduct of the client, it said.
“We appreciate that it is hardest for a legal practitioner to do his duty when the client is difficult. But it is in such circumstances that the legal practitioner must cleave to his or her duties to the court.”

 

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Forum: Specialist appointments are many months away​

DEC 8, 2022

Getting timely specialist appointments for medical conditions is becoming a challenge.
I have diabetes, and was referred to a hospital and the Singapore National Eye Centre for follow-up tests and examination of key indicators such as falling sodium levels and floaters (spots) in my vision.
The earliest appointments I could get were on Feb 17 and May 8 in 2023. And these were for referrals made in November 2022.
The impact of low sodium levels or floaters in vision could be much worse after having to wait four to six months.
The authorities should look into the situation to ensure that timely medical assistance is provided at all levels.

Nallan Chakravarti Raghava

 

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Empty BTO flats up for sale on property portals, despite 5-year MOP rule for owners​

A three-room HDB flat at 95A Henderson Road appeared to have never been renovated, aside from lighting installed on the ceiling. PHOTOS: SCREENGRAB FROM PROPERTYGURU

Michelle Ng
Housing Correspondent

DEC 21, 2022


SINGAPORE - At least three unrenovated Build-To-Order (BTO) flats that appear to have never been lived in before are up for sale on property listing portals, despite the Housing Board’s rule that flat owners must live in their unit for the full five-year minimum occupation period (MOP).
These flats have no light fixtures or kitchen carpentry and come with the original sanitary fittings provided by HDB – with some toilet bowls still wrapped in plastic.
National Development Minister Desmond Lee, in a Facebook post on Monday, said owners cannot buy a BTO flat, not move into it for five years, and then sell it as “almost brand new” on the resale market. If owners are unable to fulfil the MOP, the flat has to be returned to HDB. It will then be put up as a balance flat for other home buyers to apply for, he added.
“Otherwise, it may be a breach of HDB rules and HDB will investigate accordingly,” Mr Lee said.
A check by The Straits Times on Tuesday evening found three such vacant flats on PropertyGuru, with agents touting these units as a “blank canvas” and “never stayed in before, brand new”.
One of them – a four-room HDB flat at 292B Bukit Batok East Avenue 6 – was taken down from the property portal on Wednesday morning, after netizens posted about it in the comment section of Mr Lee’s Facebook page.
The unit, which reached the MOP this year, had an asking price of $688,888 and was listed as being on a high floor with an unblocked view. Photos from the listing showed an empty kitchen and bedroom, as well as a toilet bowl wrapped in plastic.

The agent who listed it described the unit as a “blank canvas – no need spend money to hack anything” that was owned by a “motivated seller” who could hand over the unit once the transaction was completed.
An in-person viewing scheduled for Wednesday morning by this reporter with the listing agent was cancelled an hour before the appointment time. Further calls to the agent went unanswered.
Another listing for a three-room HDB flat at 95A Henderson Road stated an asking price of $750,000. The unit appeared to have never been renovated, aside from lighting installed on the ceiling.


A walkthrough video showed a pile of spare tiles, which are provided free of charge by HDB to assist owners in their renovation works, kept in the unit’s household shelter.
Meanwhile, an agent who listed a three-room HDB flat at 110A Depot Road described it as “never stayed in before, brand new” in its listing, with an asking price of $650,000. The unit is just over five years old.
Both listings were still up on PropertyGuru at the time of publication.

A three-room HDB flat at 95A Henderson Road has an asking price of $750,000. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM PROPERTYGURU

A three-room HDB flat at 110A Depot Road, described as “never stayed in before, brand new” in its listing, has an asking price of $650,000. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM PROPERTYGURU
Mr Lee’s Facebook post came after local media outlet Mothership spotlighted a five-room HDB flat in Yishun Street 51 on Dec 16 that was allegedly left vacant for eight years, as the buyers had moved into their family’s landed property. It was listed on PropertyGuru with an asking price of $690,000 but has since been taken down.
The Straits Times has asked HDB for comment.
Property agents said unrenovated BTO flats that are left vacant account for a minority of resale flats on the market. This is because the opportunity cost to owners of leaving a flat empty for five years and “locking up their names” in the property is too high, said ERA Realty property agent Anne Ho. This is opposed to buying a private property for immediate rental income and potential capital appreciation, she added.

Other agents said a change of family plans, financial difficulties, moving to work overseas or the death of a spouse could explain why some owners leave their BTO flats vacant.
OrangeTee & Tie property agent Susan Mariam said she had once sold a half-renovated HDB flat, as the husband died soon after the couple collected their keys and started renovation works, and the wife did not want to live in the unit.
“It’s very rare to come across flats that are completely empty, maybe one out of 100, and it’s usually because of an emotional reason such as a spouse has died or the owners believe the unit is haunted and refuse to move in,” said Ms Mariam.
ERA Realty’s head of research and consultancy Nicholas Mak said the issue of vacant flats being put up for resale cast a spotlight on housing as a social issue.
“People are angry because some have been balloting for BTO flats for years and cannot get (one), but these people have BTO flats but don’t live in them and end up selling them for more money on the resale market. It’s a case of haves and have-nots,” said Mr Mak.
“The empty flat could have provided shelter for a family for the past five years but it was just sitting there empty – the opportunity cost is too high. And if this is a prevalent issue, there could be a problem in our housing allocation,” he said.

 

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Vacant BTO flats for sale: Outcry over MOP breaches reflects broader public housing woes​

Michelle Ng
Housing Correspondent

At least three unrenovated BTO flats that appear to have never been lived in before are up for sale on property listing portals. PHOTOS: SCREENGRABS FROM PROPERTYGURU


DEC 25, 2022

SINGAPORE – Recent media reports of seemingly vacant Build-To-Order (BTO) flats put up for sale on property portals have got some Singaporeans up in arms.
These flats are completely bare and unrenovated, with no apparent signs of having been lived in during the mandatory five-year minimum occupation period (MOP).
On Thursday, the Housing Board said 53 errant flat owners who did not live in their flats during the MOP had been taken to task in the last six years. This translates to less than nine each year, a minority given that there are more than one million HDB flats in Singapore.
But these MOP breaches have irked some Singaporeans, with online reaction ranging from anger towards the flat owners to disappointment in the inadequacy of public housing policies to stamp out such unlawful practices.
The public outcry reflects broader unhappiness over public housing issues and the difficulties that some Singaporeans face in getting their BTO flats.
In the past two years, application rates for BTO flats, which are launched for sale by the HDB four times a year and allocated via balloting, have risen sharply. This is partly driven by a cohort of millennials reaching marriageable age and seeking their first home, the growing trend of smaller households, and the attractive BTO projects in mature estates on offer.
Anecdotally, it is not uncommon to hear of Singaporeans who have failed many times in their BTO applications, some of whom eventually give up and turn to the HDB resale market where home prices are higher.

Thus, it understandably does not sit well with many to see a group of owners who are lucky enough to buy a BTO flat even though they do not need to live in them, and yet are hoping to sell them for a profit.
In other words, Singaporeans are fed up with people gaming the public housing system.
When it comes to detecting such “vacant” BTO flats, much relies on the public to raise any suspicious misuse of flats via a toll-free hotline, which will then prompt the HDB to investigate.

But how many people are willing to tattle on their neighbour?
While the HDB conducts around 500 inspections monthly to detect violations of housing rules, these are likely more of a deterrence and there may well be rule-breakers who go undetected.
This raises the question: Is there a more efficient way of detecting such cases instead of relying on public feedback, which may be unreliable and sporadic?

Netizens have raised the possibility of the HDB requesting monthly utilities bills, prior to the completion of any resale transaction, to see if HDB flats were occupied. But this may complicate paperwork and could run the risk of being too intrusive.
A more effective way could be to go after the property agents who may knowingly or unknowingly assist this group of owners in selling their flats.
Agents who come across these seemingly vacant flats should probe their sellers for further details, and report any suspicions to the HDB.
The board has said that every HDB flat sold on the open market is inspected as part of the selling process, and tell-tale signs of a home that has not been lived in will be investigated.
While owners who allow their flats to sit empty for years but have no intention of selling will likely not be detected, these cases should be in the minority, as the opportunity costs of tying one’s name to an unutilised HDB flat do not make much financial sense.
There may also be owners who choose to forgo an agent’s service, but navigating the resale process on their own will likely already pose some difficulties in selling.

In 2021, over 31,000 HDB flats were sold on the resale market.
The matter of “vacant” BTO flats on sale comes as the affordability of HDB resale flats and the pricing and availability of BTO flats have been in the spotlight in recent months.
In a recent interview with The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said his ministry is looking into various aspects of public housing policies as part of the Forward Singapore exercise, and is prepared to consider major changes to meet the needs of the times – including possibly relooking the allocation of flats to prioritise first-time applicants with pressing housing needs.
It is an opportune time to address the issue of MOP breaches as part of the broad review, and consider whether they warrant more stringent enforcement action moving forward.

 

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Forum: Better to err on the side of caution on travellers from China​

Dec 31, 2022

I read with apprehension Singapore’s decision to maintain the status quo on Covid-19 measures for travellers from China (No change in S’pore’s Covid-19 measures for travellers from China, Dec 29).
This feeling, which is shared by many, is due to the uncertainty over the true scale of China’s infection as well as the speed with which China moved from a strict zero-Covid policy to an extensive reopening of its borders.
Over the last three years, our nation has sacrificed a lot on both the social and economic fronts to arrive at where we are today. It would be a pity if, for any reason, we have to re-impose circuit breaker measures.
While the Ministry of Health has given assurances that it is monitoring the international Covid-19 situation and will adjust its border health measures should the need arise, I appeal to the authorities to place more emphasis on pre-emptive rather than corrective measures. Given the lethality of the coronavirus and its sub-variants, it would not be too costly to err on the side of caution, as countries such as Japan, Italy and the United States are doing.

Karen Yip Lai Kham

 

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Nightly illegal parking of vans, lorries outside some migrant worker dorms​

Over a 500m distance on both sides of Woodlands Road, mini-lorries and vans were seen parked illegally on the pavement and grass verge. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN

Vans and mini-lorries illegally parked in Woodlands Road, as seen by ST since December 2022

MOHAMED YUSOF

Zaihan Mohamed Yusof

Jan 1, 2023

SINGAPORE - Mini-lorries and vans parked illegally on pavements in Woodlands Road have damaged kerb surfaces and grass patches, which have become water-filled ruts.
Similarly, in Seletar Link – close to Marina Country Club – and in North Coast Avenue off Admiralty Road West, parking violations have been noticed every night since early December.
Throughout the month, The Sunday Times has observed illegally parked vehicles in Woodlands Road outside Kranji Lodge 1, near Kranji MRT station.
Drivers of light goods vehicles mount kerbs and park on the grass verge along a 500m stretch on both sides of the road, affecting cyclists and pedestrians.
Cyclist Emily Chia said she avoids the area, adding that many heavy vehicles ply Woodlands Road.
Ms Chia, 42, said: “We (she and her cycling buddies) used to ride our ‘foldie’ bicycles on the pavement there. But with illegally parked vehicles on the pavement, we are forced to get back on the road for that stretch.”
Some migrant workers living at the nearby Kranji Lodge 1 who are transported back to the dormitory on these heavy vehicles risk injury – they have been seen jumping off the rear of lorries as the vehicles mount the kerbs at a bus bay nearby. Sometimes, the vehicles are parked on the pavement close to the bus stop or at the bus bay.

Construction worker M. Suresh, who regularly sits on grass patches in the area to eat his meals, said he is often forced to get up while eating and walk away when vehicles park illegally there.
Mr Suresh, 28, a resident of Kranji Lodge 1, said: “Every day, between 8pm and 11pm, we have to move to safer areas like under the stairs of the overhead bridge (to avoid the returning vans).”
It is illegal to park near traffic lights, filter lanes, grass verges, footways and bus stops. Vehicles are also not allowed to park abreast on roads. First-time offenders can be fined $70 for parking on a grass verge or in roads with double yellow lines. Light vehicles that park abreast face a $120 fine.


The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Friday that 142,497 parking violations were issued in 2019 to all vehicles. From January to November 2022, 86,036 summonses were issued, compared with 112,065 in 2021.
The Sunday Times had asked LTA on Dec 13 how many summonses had been issued to drivers for illegal parking in Woodlands Road and what could be done to curb illegal parking there.

In North Coast Avenue, vans and mini-lorries are parked illegally on the road, which is close to North Coast Lodge dormitory. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
LTA said it was aware of the situation in Woodlands Road and that it uses closed-circuit television and parking wardens as enforcement tools. It also receives feedback from the public.
An LTA spokesman said: “We take a serious view of illegal parking and will continue to enforce against such offences to ensure the safety of road users. We urge all motorists to adhere to prevailing rules and do their part in fostering a safer road environment.”
A construction company owner, who has 40 foreign workers living at Kranji Lodge 1 and at a dormitory in Tuas, said illegal parking in Woodlands Road has been going on for months. He owns three lorries to ferry workers and equipment to work sites.
The 51-year-old, who gave his name only as Mr Mohamed, said: “By the time my workers finish their work at night, there would normally be no parking spaces at the dorm. To ask our drivers, who stay at the dorm, to drive back to the company to drop off the lorry and then return to the dorm is unfair to them.”

A pedestrian in Woodlands Road passing spots where illegally parked vans and mini-lorries have damaged kerbs and left deep ruts on grass patches. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
The more than 70 parking spaces at Kranji Lodge 1 are usually filled by 9pm.
Mr Mohamed said the authorities should consider allowing vehicles to be parked at night in Woodlands Road as most of them would leave by 7am, when the workers go to work.
But the same road is often clogged by heavy vehicles returning to Malaysia via the Causeway.
The two-lane road towards the Causeway has double yellow lines to indicate that parking is disallowed at all times. The closest Housing Board carparks are more than 2km away in Marsiling.

On both sides of Seletar Link, vehicles are parked illegally over a 450m stretch. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
But the most blatant disregard for road safety and traffic rules occurs in Seletar Link outside S11 dormitory. In the dimly lit area, vans and mini-lorries are parked illegally along a 450m stretch. Some are parked four abreast, leaving only one lane for cement trucks to pass.
Retired LTA planner and transport consultant Gopinath Menon said such conditions make it difficult to spot pedestrians.

At Seletar Link outside S11 Punggol dormitory, four mini-lorries and vans are parked abreast, leaving only one lane for cement trucks to pass. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
He added: “If even one vehicle is parked illegally, it might be hard for (passing) drivers to spot pedestrians. If there are four vehicles parked abreast, chances are you can’t see pedestrians crossing the road. And that’s very dangerous.“
But when there is a shortage of parking spaces within the dorm premises, there is little that dormitory owners or operators can do, said Mr Menon.
In such cases, the authorities can be contacted and they may step in to offer solutions, he added.
SBS Transit said its bus drivers alert its operations control centre (OCC) when they see vehicles parked illegally in bus bays.
Mrs Grace Wu, vice-president of customer experience and communications at SBS Transit, said: “If our bus drivers encounter instances of illegal parking within the bus bay that prohibit them from safely entering and/or exiting the bus stop, they will alert our OCC, which will inform the Land Transport Authority for enforcement action.
“Concurrently, our OCC will activate our mobile traffic inspectors to the ground to assist our bus drivers.”

 

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Forum: Make MRT stations more wheelchair-friendly​

DEC 22, 2022

I refer to the report, “New SBS Transit programme helps wheelchair users navigate routes with travel buddies as guides” (Dec 19).
I applaud SBS Transit for helping wheelchair users navigate travel routes.
As our society ages, more seniors may have walking difficulties and require a wheelchair. Private-hire transport is expensive for wheelchair users.
We should make Singapore a more wheelchair-friendly society.
We can start with some of the MRT stations that the elderly frequent such as Chinatown MRT station. The station’s exit D leading to People’s Park Centre does not have a lift or wheelchair ramp.
Small changes in our environment can make a big difference in the life of the elderly. Let’s make Singapore a more accessible country.

Emily Yap Yong An

 

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Senior SPH Media staff taken to task or have left company after review finds issues with circulation data​

A spokesman said the company had in March 2022 initiated a review of internal processes. PHOTO: ST FILE

Goh Yan Han
Political Correspondent

Jan 9, 2023

SINGAPORE - Several senior employees of SPH Media have been taken to task or left the company after an internal review found issues linked to circulation numbers.
An SPH Media spokesman on Monday said: “We have immediately taken steps to strengthen processes.
“The staff involved had been taken to task, or had left the organisation.”
The employees were not named.
The spokesman said the company had in March 2022 initiated a review of internal processes.
This included the reporting of circulation data.
“Some inconsistencies in the reporting of the data were discovered,” said the spokesman.

SPH Media cited several examples of these inconsistencies, in reply to queries from The Straits Times.
Lapsed contracts continued to be counted into circulation data.
There were also copies that were printed, counted for circulation and then destroyed; as well as double-counting of subscriptions across multiple instances.

“A project account was injected with additional funding over a period of time to purchase fictitious circulation,” the spokesman said.
“Certain circulation numbers were arbitrarily derived,” she added.
These resulted in a discrepancy of between 85,000 and 95,000 daily average copies across all titles, which represents 10 to 12 per cent of the reported daily average circulation, the spokesman added.
SPH Media publishes The Straits Times and The Business Times, as well as Lianhe Zaobao, Shin Min Daily News, Berita Harian and Tamil Murasu.
The review was initiated shortly after SPH Media was spun off in December 2021 from mainboard-listed company Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) to become a not-for-profit entity - a company limited by guarantee (CLG).
The period of review was from September 2020 to March 2022.
This period included a full financial year, from September 2020 to August 2021, plus two quarters - from September 2021 to November 2021, when the media business was still part of the listed company, as well as from December 2021 to March 2022, when SPH Media had become a CLG.
SPH had first expressed intent in May 2021 to transfer its media business to a company limited by guarantee, to help secure funding from public and private sources.
The move was approved in September 2021 by shareholders of SPH, which, like other media companies globally, had struggled with falling advertising revenue and losses in recent years.
Following the move, the Ministry of Communications and Information said in February 2022 that SPH Media would get government funding of up to $180 million annually over the next five years, and the company would be required to provide half-yearly progress updates.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

42 national servicemen died while in service over past 20 years​

SCDF personnel saluting the hearse headed for Service Hall 1 during a ceremonial procession for Sergeant (1) Edward H. Go at Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium on Dec 13, 2022. ST FILE PHOTO

Zhaki Abdullah

Jan 10, 2023

SINGAPORE – A total of 42 national servicemen died while in service over the last two decades, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen said on Monday.
They comprise 35 from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), four from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and three from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Dr Ng said in a written reply to a parliamentary question from Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa.
Of these, six cases – two from the SAF, three from the police and one from the SCDF – were due to traffic accidents on the way to or from work, or while on official duties, Dr Ng said, noting that such incidents are covered under the Defence and Home Affairs ministries’ compensation framework.
Ms Poa had asked how many full-time and operationally ready national servicemen from the SAF, SPF and SCDF had died while in service, or had permanent disability from a service injury, over the past 20 years.
During that period, there were a total of 52 cases of permanent disability to the brain, spinal cord, eyes or limbs due to serious service-related injuries, said Dr Ng.
Forty-three were from the SAF, four from the SPF and five from the SCDF, he added.
Eleven cases – eight from the SAF, one from the police and two from the SCDF – were due to traffic accidents, the minister said.

Every year, about 300,000 male Singapore citizens and permanent residents perform their national service duties across the three services, he noted.
“The proportions of deaths and permanent disability due to service within the SAF, SPF and SCDF are therefore 0.001 per cent, 0.001 per cent and 0.002 per cent, respectively.”
Dr Ng said that though the rates of both death and permanent disability due to service are low, the SAF and Home Team “constantly strive to achieve a zero fatality rate”.

“Every incident is investigated at the highest levels of command, with corrective measures taken to improve the safety under which our national servicemen train and operate,” he said.
Ms Poa, from the Progress Singapore Party, had also asked about the amount of compensation paid in such cases.
All national servicemen are covered by injury and life insurance, Dr Ng replied, noting that the coverage under both policies was doubled from a maximum of $150,000 to $300,000 from Jan 1, 2023.
Further compensation is provided depending on the degree of disability and circumstances of injury or death, he added.

While the total compensation for such cases takes reference from industrial benchmarks such as the Work Injury Compensation Act (Wica), they are set several times higher to “reflect the mandatory nature of national service”, he said.
The amounts vary considerably due to the circumstances of each case, Dr Ng said, adding that payouts have ranged from several thousand dollars to more than $1.5 million.
“For the same injury and comparable circumstances, the total compensation provided to national servicemen is about four times the amounts paid under the Wica,” he said.
Dr Ng added that servicemen who sustain service-related injuries are also provided free medical treatment for their injury for as long as medically necessary at SAF, SPF and SCDF medical facilities, as well as public healthcare institutions.
In December, 19-year-old Edward H. Go, a full-time national serviceman with the SCDF, died after battling a blaze in a rental flat in Henderson Road.

 

[blackmondy]

42 national servicemen died while in service over past 20 years​

SCDF personnel saluting the hearse headed for Service Hall 1 during a ceremonial procession for Sergeant (1) Edward H. Go at Mandai Crematorium and Columbarium on Dec 13, 2022. ST FILE PHOTO

Zhaki Abdullah

Jan 10, 2023

SINGAPORE – A total of 42 national servicemen died while in service over the last two decades, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen said on Monday.
They comprise 35 from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), four from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and three from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Dr Ng said in a written reply to a parliamentary question from Non-Constituency MP Hazel Poa.
Of these, six cases – two from the SAF, three from the police and one from the SCDF – were due to traffic accidents on the way to or from work, or while on official duties, Dr Ng said, noting that such incidents are covered under the Defence and Home Affairs ministries’ compensation framework.
Ms Poa had asked how many full-time and operationally ready national servicemen from the SAF, SPF and SCDF had died while in service, or had permanent disability from a service injury, over the past 20 years.
During that period, there were a total of 52 cases of permanent disability to the brain, spinal cord, eyes or limbs due to serious service-related injuries, said Dr Ng.
Forty-three were from the SAF, four from the SPF and five from the SCDF, he added.
Eleven cases – eight from the SAF, one from the police and two from the SCDF – were due to traffic accidents, the minister said.

Every year, about 300,000 male Singapore citizens and permanent residents perform their national service duties across the three services, he noted.
“The proportions of deaths and permanent disability due to service within the SAF, SPF and SCDF are therefore 0.001 per cent, 0.001 per cent and 0.002 per cent, respectively.”
Dr Ng said that though the rates of both death and permanent disability due to service are low, the SAF and Home Team “constantly strive to achieve a zero fatality rate”.

“Every incident is investigated at the highest levels of command, with corrective measures taken to improve the safety under which our national servicemen train and operate,” he said.
Ms Poa, from the Progress Singapore Party, had also asked about the amount of compensation paid in such cases.
All national servicemen are covered by injury and life insurance, Dr Ng replied, noting that the coverage under both policies was doubled from a maximum of $150,000 to $300,000 from Jan 1, 2023.
Further compensation is provided depending on the degree of disability and circumstances of injury or death, he added.

While the total compensation for such cases takes reference from industrial benchmarks such as the Work Injury Compensation Act (Wica), they are set several times higher to “reflect the mandatory nature of national service”, he said.
The amounts vary considerably due to the circumstances of each case, Dr Ng said, adding that payouts have ranged from several thousand dollars to more than $1.5 million.
“For the same injury and comparable circumstances, the total compensation provided to national servicemen is about four times the amounts paid under the Wica,” he said.
Dr Ng added that servicemen who sustain service-related injuries are also provided free medical treatment for their injury for as long as medically necessary at SAF, SPF and SCDF medical facilities, as well as public healthcare institutions.
In December, 19-year-old Edward H. Go, a full-time national serviceman with the SCDF, died after battling a blaze in a rental flat in Henderson Road.

How cum we never hear of any white horse dying during N-Ass ? Is it because some soldiers are more expendable than others?

 

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Forum: Town councils need to be more proactive to tackle estate problems before they worsen​

Jan 14, 2023

Growing up, I saw the town council as an entity which made living in a Housing Board estate easier, and kept the surroundings clean to make life happier for residents.
However, in recent times, I am starting to see some cracks beneath the facade.
It seems the town council is heavily dependent on complaints and feedback to get things done. In my estate, I do not see the cleaner coming by as often as before.
Town councils should work towards becoming more proactive when they do their rounds to check on the estate’s condition and see how they can improve the lives of residents.
By walking in the shoes of residents, they would be able to notice the things residents do, for instance, if there is dog poo in a certain area, if riser cabinets are filled with clutter, or if a wall has mould or dirt.
They could then implement solutions, and follow up regularly to ascertain if the solutions are working or if they need to take other steps to rectify the issue.
While town council meetings with Residents’ Networks are good for garnering feedback, it would be better if the town council takes the initiative to catch problems before they become major issues, rather than merely react to complaints.

There are certainly some town councils that do fantastic jobs and go above and beyond their duties.
All town councils should have a set of common standards to set and manage expectations, such as how often block cleaning will be done.

Brian Seah

 

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Jurong-Clementi and Pasir Ris-Punggol town councils flagged for administrative errors: MND​

The non-compliances were first-time administrative oversights that have been rectified, said MND. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

Adeline Tan

DEC 7, 2022

SINGAPORE – Two town councils – Jurong-Clementi and Pasir Ris-Punggol – were flagged for non-compliance with town council rules, in the latest governance report released by the Ministry of National Development (MND) on Wednesday.
These non-compliances were first-time administrative oversights that have been rectified, said MND.
For the quarter ending June 2021, Jurong-Clementi Town Council had under-transferred the amount that was due to the sinking and lift replacement funds’ bank accounts because of a computation error. The shortfall was rectified in the next quarterly transfer.
For the quarter ending September 2021, Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council had incorrectly allocated a portion of the lift replacement fund matching grant to residential property instead of commercial property. The accounting records were rectified in October 2022.
Both of these incidents were considered to be of “low-severity”, said MND.
The town councils were given green ratings for corporate governance, as the total score for each was 0.5 point. Town councils that score less than one point will be given a green rating, while those that score one to less than two points will be given an amber rating. Two points and above would mean a red rating.
For the financial year 2021, the other town councils were also given green ratings for corporate governance, MND said.

It added that it had completed its review of the town councils’ audited financial statements and their auditors’ reports, as well as checks on the town councils’ declarations of compliance.
The audited financial statements for the 17 town councils have been presented to Parliament, and the town councils will also be publishing them on their websites.
MND added that while the town councils generally reported surpluses for the 2021 financial year, they also faced significant cost pressures due to higher energy prices, manpower costs and higher costs for maintenance services.
“Cost increases, such as energy price increases, are not unique to Singapore, but the Government takes steps to partially cushion the impact on residents,” said MND.
It added that the Government has been providing various grants to town councils and rebates on service and conservancy charges to Housing Board residents to help them cope with the increase in the cost of living. The Government will also continue to monitor the town councils’ financial positions.
From financial year 2021, the annual Town Council Management Report has been split into two reports.
The operational report, published in the mid-year period, covers four indicators – estate cleanliness, estate maintenance, lift performance and service and conservancy charges arrears management.
The governance report assesses whether the town councils have sound corporate governance and internal controls.

 

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‘Why did it take so long?’ Marsiling Rise residents to finally get lift upgrading, slated for 2026 completion​

Blocks 115 and 119 in Marsiling Rise were selected for HDB’s lift upgrading programme in December 2020. ST PHOTO: RYAN CHIONG

Kok Yufeng
Transport Correspondent

JAN 15, 2023

SINGAPORE - Two 13-storey Housing Board blocks in Marsiling will finally get direct lift access on every floor after years of complaints from residents and lobbying by politicians, including during the 2020 General Election.
Blocks 115 and 119 in Marsiling Rise, which have lifts that stop only on the first, fifth, ninth and 12th storeys, were selected for HDB’s lift upgrading programme (LUP) in December 2020.
The project was then put to an official poll in late December 2022, and about 95 per cent of residents voted in favour of it – well beyond the 75 per cent of votes needed.
With the voting done, HDB said works will start in the first quarter of 2023, with the upgrading expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
The works include diverting underground cables and pipes to make way for new lift shafts, which can take six months to a year.
Residents were told about the news during an informal gathering held on Jan 6 by Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Zaqy Mohamad. Printed circulars were also given to each household.
Speaking to The Sunday Times at the gathering, Mr Zaqy said the LUP vote was pushed back slightly, partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which shut the construction sector down for a period of time.

“Even if we wanted to award the tender, we couldn’t. No one was going to bid, or they would have put in very high bids. So it was not feasible,” Mr Zaqy said.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower and Defence also cited his experience with LUPs in his previous constituency – Chua Chu Kang GRC – as to why he was able to push the project through.
With another LUP in his ward at Block 176 Woodlands Street 13 set to go to a vote in February, he added: “It was about building trust and getting residents on board.”

When The Sunday Times visited Blocks 115 and 119, the mood was mixed.
While there was much joy and relief, the years of inconvenience and the length of time it took – and will take – for the blocks to get the much needed upgrade have left a bitter taste.
Block 115 resident Fathima Zohra, a quadriplegic, said it was great news that the authorities are upgrading the lifts, but she hopes it can be done more quickly.
Currently, the 26-year-old takes 20 to 30 minutes just to safely make her way down two flights of stairs to get to the lift located one storey below her flat.
Ms Zohra suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident in 2017, and her family used to have to carry her and her wheelchair down the stairs. A staircase climber gifted to her last year has made the process easier.
However, without direct access to a lift until 2026, Ms Zohra, an inclusive employment recruiter at social enterprise Inclus, said she is considering moving away as she cannot be as independent as she would like to be. “I work full-time, and I am not someone who usually stays at home. So having to be carried all the time is extremely inconvenient,” she said.

The lift upgrading will improve accessibility to the blocks’ residents. ST PHOTO: RYAN CHIONG
At Block 119, a 65-year-old resident who wanted to be known only as Madam Cheng recalled the painful decision she had to make, putting her 89-year-old mother, who has mobility issues, in an old folks’ home as her flat does not have lift access.
Another Block 119 resident, who wanted to be known only as Mrs Ali, said she injured her right knee and shin in a fall while climbing down the stairs to her flat just a few weeks ago. “I am very happy that there will be a lift near my doorstep. But I am also sad that it took so long,” the 65-year-old housewife said.
Residents also said that they felt cast aside and frustrated when other blocks in the neighbourhood got new lifts. The lack of communication from the authorities did not help, and the reasons given for not upgrading the lifts of the two blocks were unconvincing, they added.
In a 2020 report by Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, former Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Ong Teng Koon had said that the layout of the two HDB blocks and the site terrain would have led to upgrading costs that exceeded HDB’s cost cap of $30,000 per household.
For Block 115, for instance, the cost of upgrading would be higher as it sits on a hillside and has a unique architectural design, Mr Ong said in response to a petition started by the Singapore Democratic Party in January that year that got about 500 signatures.
The opposition party also raised the lift upgrading issue on the campaign trail for the 2020 General Election.
Residents of Blocks 115 and 119, including one who wanted to be known only as Mr Nga, said they were willing to pay more for the lifts, and the authorities should have given them more options in terms of cost-sharing.
“We have people here with a real need,” said the 77-year-old engineer, recounting how a family member had to be carried down the stairs during a medical emergency as the ambulance crew had trouble accessing his flat.
“Tell me what technical issues cannot be solved in this day and age? If we had to pay, then we would do it. But there was little consultation,” Mr Nga added.
When asked why Blocks 115 and 119 were selected for the LUP only now and how the site challenges will be overcome, HDB said only that it had exercised flexibility after reviewing appeals from the grassroots adviser and residents.
It did not say how much the lift upgrading would cost, but National Development Minister Desmond Lee said on Tuesday in a written parliamentary reply to Jurong GRC MP Ang Wei Neng that some LUPs may cost more than $200,000 per household.

Residents of Blocks 115 and 119 said they were willing to pay more for the lifts, and the authorities should have given them more options in terms of cost-sharing. ST PHOTO: RYAN CHIONG
HDB said the Government subsidises up to 90 per cent of the cost of LUPs, while the town council pays a portion of the remainder.
Hence, Singaporean households that benefit from LUPs pay up to only $3,000, depending on their block configuration and flat type. Permanent resident households must pay the full upgrading cost.
HDB also said that the LUP solution at Blocks 115 and 119 is more complicated because they are segmented blocks. These are HDB blocks designed to offer greater privacy, with two units sharing a common floor landing, or segment.
Consequently, new lift shafts and lift openings have to be added to every segment of the blocks, HDB said. In addition, one of the two existing lifts will be upgraded, while the other lift will be shut down.
There are also fewer benefiting units within the two blocks – 48 at Block 115 and 53 at Block 119 – than with other LUPs.
“Given the magnitude of the LUP and the number of residents involved, HDB has the responsibility to ensure that the lift solutions are practical and economically viable,” a spokesman told The Sunday Times.
More generally, HDB said it has adopted “innovative technical solutions” over the years, including using lifts that do not have a machine room at the top of the shafts and smaller “home lifts”.
There are still about 140 HDB blocks where it is not possible to implement the LUP due to high costs, or existing technical and site constraints, HDB added.
But it said it will continue to explore new methods to bring down LUP costs, as well as other alternatives to improve accessibility for residents living in flats without direct lift access.

 

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Forum: Stop using hotels as lodgings for foreign workers​

Jan 17, 2023

There were many policies put in place during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Safe distancing measures as well as workplace requirements were put in place and subsequently rolled back as the nation adjusted to living with the coronavirus. However, not all measures were rescinded.
In 2020, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) allowed hotels to serve as alternative lodgings for foreign workers to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in existing foreign worker dormitories.
Residents living near such establishments understood and accepted that this move was needed due to the nation’s constraints during Covid-19. However, these hotels and inns have continued to serve as alternative lodgings for migrant workers, even as global travel restrictions ease and tourist numbers increase in Singapore.
The impact on the neighbourhood is significant if these hotels, especially those in residential areas, do not revert to their previous business models to serve guests and instead continue to house foreign workers.
For instance, residents have to put up with the noise from trucks and other vehicles that pick up the workers as early as 5am, even on weekends. Workers are also loitering and talking loudly in groups late at night.
I urge the authorities to roll back such interim measures swiftly, in line with the nation’s position on Covid-19, and not let businesses persist with business models that were implemented to better manage the situation during the pandemic years.

Desmond Teo Mingjie

 

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Forum: Problem persists two years after feedback was given​

Jan 19, 2023

I agree with Mr Bernard C.G. Law that action needs to be taken quickly to resolve complaints made to town councils (Town councils and residents must aim for happier living spaces, Jan 17).
In March 2021, I wrote about the potential hazard posed by Housing Board flat residents who had placed potted plants on their window ledges (Do more to remove potential killer litter, March 6, 2021).
The HDB responded, and said it had contacted the residents to remove those plants, and that they had since repositioned the plants safely (Residents play role in maintaining safe environment, March 19, 2021).
But almost two years later, the problem persists.
It sometimes feels like people like myself who bother to give feedback have wasted their time by doing so.

Mohamad Nurhafiz Mohd Noor

 

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SPH Media tasks audit committee to look more fully into overstated circulation data​

Seven employees were taken to task over the matter in December. Four of them have left the company, while the other three were served warning letters. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Tham Yuen-C
Senior Political Correspondent

Jan 20, 2023

SINGAPORE – SPH Media’s board has asked its audit and risk committee to further investigate overstated circulation numbers that were discovered in an audit in 2022, and consider what further steps should be taken.
In a statement on Friday, the media company, which came under public criticism after announcing the discovery on Jan 9, said its board’s audit and risk committee will focus investigations on the preliminary findings that circulation figures had been overstated by up to an average of 90,000 daily copies in some months.
The committee will also commission legal advisers to assist in the probe, and report its findings directly to the SPH Media board.
SPH Media had, in March 2022, initiated a review to assess data that it had taken over from its predecessor Singapore Press Holdings Limited (SPHL), which had transferred its media business to SPH Media Trust, a new company limited by guarantee.
The review covered the period between September 2020 and March 2022, which included a full financial year of SPHL from September 2020 to August 2021. An independent Big Four advisory firm, one of the four largest professional services companies, was commissioned to assist in the review, which found the inconsistencies in circulation data.
Giving more details about the discrepancies for the first time since news on the matter broke, SPH Media said that of particular concern was an overstatement of an average of 49,000 daily copies – or 5 per cent of total daily circulation then – of news titles, which include The Straits Times.
This figure had been recorded as circulation numbers, although the copies were never distributed. The majority were digital copies.

Another 5,000 daily copies on average continued to be recorded in circulation numbers after contracts had lapsed, while 17,000 copies on average were recorded as a result of a failure to check that reported numbers were accurate against actual usage tracked in the system.
There was also a possible discrepancy of an average of 19,000 daily copies, which included a barter arrangement with another publisher, which SPH Media did not name.
The committee is chaired by former managing partner of EY Asean & Singapore Max Loh, and comprises Allen & Gledhill co-head of mergers and acquisitions Lim Mei and HSBC Singapore’s vice-chairman of global banking for South-east Asia Philip Lee.

News of the overstated circulation numbers broke after several senior employees of SPH Media left the company in December 2022, following the internal audit.
In its statement on Friday, the company said a total of seven employees had been taken to task over the matter at the end of December. As a result, four of them have left the company. The other three were served warning letters.
Since the over-reported numbers were uncovered, some advertisers have said publicly that they had contacted the company over the matter.
In an e-mail to advertisers on Jan 10, SPH Media Group’s chief executive Teo Lay Lim said that circulation data is not used as a basis for the company’s advertising packages. Instead, media rates and advertising packages are based on reach and readership, an estimate of how many readers a publication has.
This data on reach and readership is collected periodically via a survey panel that is statistically representative of the Singapore population, Ms Teo had said.

Circulation data is a count of how many copies of a publication are distributed, such as through regular subscriptions or off-the-shelf purchase.
The company did not clarify what circulation numbers are used for and the impact the overstated figures could have had. The discovery had also sparked questions about how long the practices that led to inconsistent data had gone on for, and why they had not been discovered or announced earlier.
In Friday’s statement, SPH Media said that circulation data reported in previous annual reports – when its predecessor company Singapore Press Holdings was still listed on the Singapore Exchange – was stated to be in accordance with the rules set by the Audit Bureau of Media Consumption Singapore. This entity ceased operations in Singapore in 2019, as digital and media advertising grew and quantifying print circulation became less relevant.
“To obtain data on reach and readership, SPHL commissioned surveys conducted by independent third-party research agencies such as GfK,” said SPH Media.
It added that in the light of the changing media environment, the company is reassessing the methodology for the reporting of circulation data to establish a new framework and baseline to measure its performance, something publishers elsewhere have done as circumstances have changed.
SPH Media said: “SMT is committed to upholding integrity in every part of our business.”

 

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Forum: Illegally parked trailer still there despite repeated feedback​

Jan 25, 2023

I reported the illegal parking of a flatbed trailer alongside the kerb in Tuas South Avenue 9 through the OneService app on Jan 11 (Fewer vans, mini lorries parking illegally at hot spots in Woodlands, Jan 15).
I received a reply from the Land Transport Authority that a parking warden visited the reported location and that action was taken against the motorist.
However, the same trailer is still there. I reported it again on Jan 13, and received the same reply. This made me wonder whether I was receiving automated replies, and whether any action had ever been taken.
I am very concerned about such illegal parking as a colleague of mine will need to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life after driving into the back of a flatbed trailer that was also parked illegally in a different spot at night. There was no hazard or warning light on the vehicle, and the road was poorly lit.
The authorities should take stern action against the company that owns the trailer before another accident happens.

Mariah Ng Lai Keng

 

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North-South Corridor: 3 key gripes from residents and how LTA is dealing with them​

The North-South Corridor construction along Ang Mo Kio Ave 6. ST PHOTO: THADDEUS ANG

Kok Yufeng
Transport Correspondent

Jan 25, 2023

SINGAPORE - Noise, vibrations and traffic diversions. These are the three major bugbears that residents and businesses near the upcoming North-South Corridor (NSC) have about the construction work that has been going on right at their doorsteps.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said that efforts are being made where possible to minimise these inconveniences.

Noise and vibrations​

Currently, the NSC works are largely centred on building diaphragm walls for the 12.3km of underground road tunnels that will be part of the integrated transport corridor.
The construction of these reinforced concrete walls – which form the foundation and permanent walls for the tunnels – is the main source of noise and vibrations that the residents have complained about.
These works are critical to safety, as the diaphragm walls protect existing structures and ensure the stability of the construction site. Hence, they must be completed in a continuous manner without stopping, said LTA.
This is why, even though the plan is for other noisy work to end by 10pm, diaphragm wall construction is often carried out late into the night.
LTA said the diaphragm walls are typically built in 6m segments, and it takes about a week to complete each panel, depending on the ground conditions.

The process involves excavating a trench, filling it with a stabilising fluid, inserting a steel cage, and then pouring in concrete to form the wall panel.
For the NSC, the diaphragm walls are being built to a depth of 20m to 50m, equivalent to seven to 16 storeys underground.
If there are hard rock layers to be excavated, more time and energy are needed, which in turn lead to more noise.

Vibrations may also be induced when the trench excavation for the diaphragm walls reaches the underground rock layer, the authority said.

Mitigation​

LTA said that it carries out daily real-time vibration and noise monitoring, and that pre-condition surveys are conducted by specialists before works begin so that these disturbances can be managed before and during construction.
Meanwhile, the physical measures put in place to reduce construction noise include the erection of temporary noise barriers near surrounding buildings.
Noise enclosures and mufflers are also fitted onto construction machinery to tackle the noise issue at the source.
Inflatable noise barriers are added where feasible.
However, these preventive measures have their limits.
For instance, the noise barriers cannot be built too high as taller barriers require larger foundations, and the machines cannot be completely enclosed as this poses a risk of overheating.

Traffic diversions​

The NSC is being built in densely built-up areas, which means there is limited space for LTA and its contractors to manoeuvre. Road traffic has to be diverted as a result, to make room for the construction works.
For instance, traffic junctions in Novena have been reconfigured twice already – in October 2020, and again in October 2022.
LTA said such traffic diversions are implemented during off-peak hours to minimise disruptions. They are planned such that traffic is passable in all directions throughout the duration of the construction works.
The impact of the diversions is also monitored continuously, and adjustments are made to the traffic scheme and traffic light timings, if necessary, LTA added.
“We constantly have to compete for space to do our work safely but, at the same time, not disrupt traffic too much. So, it is a delicate balance,” Mr Ang Mau Koon, an LTA deputy director for the NSC project, said.

The North-South corridor construction along Thomson Road on Dec 23, 2022. The physical measures put in place to reduce construction noise include the erection of temporary noise barriers near surrounding buildings. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

Engagement​

For Mr Ang and the NSC project team, talking to affected residents, businesses and other stakeholders has also been a major aspect of their work.
He said LTA collects feedback through engagement with stakeholders and makes improvements where possible.
For instance, if there are new products that can better shield against the construction noise, LTA will encourage NSC contractors to use them.
LTA said it also works closely with residents to inform them of upcoming works.
This is done through circulars, regular project updates to grassroots advisers and community leaders, as well as LTA’s social media platforms.
Other engagement efforts include door-to-door visits, town-hall meetings and roadshows.
Mr Ang said: “Stakeholder management is very important. Thankfully, most people are quite understanding.”

 

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‘The noise is terrible’: Residents say quality of life affected by North-South Corridor construction​

Mr Jack Patel looking at the traffic and construction from the second-storey apartment he rented along Thomson Road. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Yong Li Xuan and Aqil Hamzah

Jan 25, 2023


SINGAPORE - Every day from about 1pm to 3pm, the floor of Mr Min Thit Saing’s rental unit shakes due to the construction work going on metres away from his home at Block 10D Braddell View.
The operations executive works primarily from home, so he also has to deal with the pounding and whirring of machines used to construct the North-South Corridor (NSC), a 21.5km transport route that will run right next to the 24-year-old’s apartment block.
“The noise is terrible,” he told The Straits Times in late 2022. “The best I can do is close the windows and curtains, and after a while, it just becomes a part of the background.”
In Thomson Road, Mr Jack Patel and his wife have taken more drastic measures – spending $2,000 to soundproof their 19-month-old baby’s room because the noise was affecting the child’s sleep.
According to the couple, who are both educators, construction work outside their apartment can start early in the morning and end past midnight. “There’s no peace and quiet, and you can’t relax,” Mr Patel, 42, said, adding that the construction has gravely affected the family of five’s quality of life.
He said the oldest of his three sons, who is six, has a sensory processing disorder, which makes the noise feel even louder.
Residents in Ang Mo Kio and Yio Chu Kang also said the construction of the upcoming transport corridor, which is slated to be completed from 2027, has disrupted their daily lives.

Joel Felix Raj, 15, who lives at Block 649 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, said it is difficult to concentrate on his schoolwork with the construction happening right outside his home.
But the secondary school student said he has learnt to live with it.
Meanwhile, businesses near the NSC have also lamented its impact on sales.

At Balestier Hill Shopping Centre in Thomson Road, the facade of the building is almost entirely covered by noise barriers put up by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) as part of its mitigation measures.
Because of this, shops there are not visible from the street and many businesses have shuttered, said Mr Kent Tham, business manager for paint shop Hiap Soon Heng.
Mr Tham, 30, said sales at his shop, which has been at the shopping centre for more than 40 years, have also taken a hit, falling by at least 30 per cent since work on the NSC started in 2018. He said the business relies on its regular customers to survive.

According to Mr Jack Patel and his wife, who are both educators, construction work outside their apartment can start early in the morning and end past midnight. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

Ms Cheryl Lim, 24, a sales associate at bicycle store Elite Custom, was more positive.
“We were told that construction would take about eight years, so we were kind of ready for it,” she said, adding that the cycling paths that will be built in front of the shopping centre as part of the NSC may help boost business in future.
Another source of frustration for residents has been the traffic diversions along the planned NSC route.

Mr Yap Keng Soon, 60, who lives in Castle Green condominium in Yio Chu Kang, said the diversions and road closures cause traffic jams during rush hour. Because of this, the traffic in the area can also be quite chaotic, said the senior program manager at Marvell Semiconductor.
GrabFood delivery walker Grace Phua, who lives near Newton Road, said the changes to the walkways and traffic junctions in the Novena area can be confusing. “Suddenly, the walkways change and pedestrians don’t even know where to go. Even the traffic lights keep changing,” the 44-year-old said, adding that she had stopped cycling to deliver food given the bad traffic.

View of the construction works and road diversion along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
Residents said they hope LTA can do more to help them with the inconveniences, especially in the area of communications, notifying them more consistently about when noisier works will be conducted and for how long.
Mr Solomon Fang, 76, who lives at Block 10D Braddell View, said LTA and its contractors should give out earplugs to help residents cope with the noise.
“Every now and then, we’ll get an e-mail or a note, sometimes a WhatsApp message, saying that the construction work will take place at night as it involves the movement of earth material or concrete. But there’s no reprieve from the noise, you just have to bear with it,” the retiree said.
“Personally, I think the decision to proceed with the construction of the North-South Corridor is necessary, but the minimising of disruptions to residents is not good enough,” he added.