The standard of service from the civil/government services

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This happened because there was no or lax enforcement previously.

Forum: Transport operators to step up enforcement against oversized PMAs​

Jul 19, 2024

We thank Mr Lee Foo Hoe for his feedback (PMAs and other big objects on trains can affect commuters’ safety, July 10).
Since 2017, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has mandated a maximum allowable size requirement for personal mobility aids (PMAs), as well as strollers, wheelchairs, foldable bicycles and other bulky items on public transport.
These items must not exceed 120cm in length, 70cm in width and 150cm in height.
For PMAs, the 150cm cap refers to from the floor to the height of the PMA or the user’s head, whichever is higher.
In addition, the combined weight of the PMA and the user must not exceed 300kg. Information posters displaying these dimensions are placed at the fare gates.
The dimensions of these bulky items can be verified against checker floor markings at the areas in front of the fare gates at all stations. This is to assist both station staff and commuters in ensuring compliance with the size regulations.
We will work with the public transport operators to step up enforcement against oversized PMAs and other bulky items that obstruct other commuters.

We encourage PMA and wheelchair users to board the train cabins with designated priority boarding areas for the safety and convenience of all passengers. Users who are unfamiliar with the station can approach station staff for assistance.
We also urge commuters to be mindful of the priority use signs and to give way to users who require it.
Together, we can contribute towards a safer and more inclusive public transport experience for everyone.

Yeo Teck Guan
Senior Group Director, Public Transport
Land Transport Authority
Lam Sheau Kai
President
SMRT Trains
Jeffrey Sim
Group CEO
SBS Transit

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Jul 19, 2024

Give updates on sports venue closures​

It would be helpful for operators of public swimming or other sports facilities to give real-time updates on whether the venues are open, to prevent users from making futile trips only to discover that they are closed due to lightning warnings, for example.
It is often difficult to get through on office phone lines to check. With technology, there can be a better standard of customer service at these facilities.

Bernard C.G. Law

 

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Forum: Let people freely take photos of MRT public areas for personal use​

Jul 26, 2024

A recent article on AsiaOne with stunning images of Singapore MRT stations went viral, with the photographer reported as saying many people do not notice the unique designs.
I would like to share my experience taking photographs in MRT stations.
I checked the FAQs provided by SMRT and noted that photographs in MRT stations for personal use and within areas that are publicly accessible are allowed.
I chose a time in the morning when the rush-hour crowd had reduced significantly.
While taking photographs at the first station, I was approached by a man wearing a “Security” vest. He told me I could not take photographs inside the MRT station.
I pointed out there were no signs prohibiting photography. He became uncertain and directed me to speak to the station master.
The station master was pleasant and was surprised that I was told I couldn’t take photographs. I showed him the ones I had taken and was told I could continue with my photography.

In other stations, security staff gave similar instructions that I could not take photographs. One of them wanted me to leave the station immediately without even allowing me to clarify matters with the station master.
The most baffling experience, however, was with one station master, who said taking photos was a safety and security issue. He wasn’t interested that the photographs were taken in public access areas and were for personal use.
He declined to look at my photographs and told me to leave the station and take my photography elsewhere.
I feel that we have built amazing and wonderful MRT stations. The architecture within the stations would rival the best in the world.
I hope station staff are made aware of the guidelines and let us take photos and capture the awe-inspiring interior and architecture of our MRT stations.

Pary Sivaraman

Forum: Public transport operators reminded of guidelines on photography, videography​

Aug 05, 2024

We thank Mr Pary Sivaraman for his feedback (Let people freely take photos of MRT public areas for personal use, July 26).
Photography and videography are generally allowed at public transport nodes, such as at MRT stations, trains, and bus interchanges. Individuals should ensure that such activities do not interfere with operations, cause inconvenience, or violate the privacy of other commuters. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also reminded public transport operators and their front-line transit staff of these guidelines.
Occasionally, transit staff may conduct checks and interviews to ensure that photographs or videos are not being taken with malicious intent or for criminal activities. Where there are operational and security concerns, our transit staff may stop these activities and request the deletion of photographs and video recordings.
For photographs or videos intended for commercial or other non-personal use, written approval must be sought from the public transport operators. Information on the application process is available on the operators’ websites.
We seek the public’s understanding as we exercise vigilance to keep our public transport system safe and secure.

Yeo Teck Guan
Senior Group Director, Public Transport
Land Transport Authority

 

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SingPost closes 12 post offices in two years, pivots to new service model​

Clementi Central Post Office at The Clementi Mall during its last day of operations on Sept 20. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Chin Soo Fang
Senior Correspondent

Sep 29, 2024


SINGAPORE - National postal service provider Singapore Post has closed 12 post offices, or one in five branches, in the past two years.
This comes as the company struggles with declining mail volumes as most people turn to electronic communication instead.
Five of the shuttered post office branches were in malls, including Suntec City, Northpoint City and Westgate, while the rest were either standalone branches or found in community clubs, office buildings or Housing Board blocks. SingPost has 44 post offices remaining.
A SingPost spokesperson told The Straits Times that adjustments will be made to some post offices and locations to ensure postal services remain cost-effective and relevant. This is part of business transformation efforts to meet evolving consumer demands in a rapidly changing digital landscape, said the spokesperson.
One of the most recent branches to cease operations was the one at The Clementi Mall, which had operated for 11 years before it closed on Sept 20. The nearest alternative branch is a 15-minute bus ride away – in Clementi West Street 2, near West Coast Plaza.
The Clementi Mall branch was quiet with only a few customers when ST visited on its last day.
Assistant branch manager Nurlaini Jalaini, who had worked there for all 11 years of the branch’s history, told ST she would be redeployed to the Jurong Point branch.

“I had been telling regular customers to come see us before the outlet closes,” said the 39-year-old. “I will miss my colleagues and the customers.”
Her colleague, 44-year-old assistant branch manager Melissa Ayla, who had also worked there for 11 years, was taking videos and photos of the post office. She has since been posted to the Pasir Panjang branch.
“Some of my customers have become friends. We even had lunch together,” she said.

Also at the branch was retired banker and stamp collector Hong Tuck Kun, 71, who has been visiting all the post office branches on their last day of operations.
He was mailing 66 letters to himself so that he can keep the postmark, which is unique to each outlet. He started collecting stamps around the age of 10.
“It’s sad because it’s a reflection of the declining importance of the post for many, who send e-mails and WhatsApp messages now,” said the Serangoon Gardens resident. “There’s nothing that can replace the personal touch from sending personal letters and cards.”
While SingPost is rationalising the number of standalone post offices, it has said it will expand other customer service touchpoints.

SingPost Clementi Central Post Office branch manager Muhammad Ali Lee (centre), 58, and assistant branch managers Melissa Ayla (left), 44, and Nurlaini Jalaini (right), 39, at The Clementi Mall branch’s last day of operations on Sept 20. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Its POPStation or parcel locker network is found at over 100 locations and more than 300 condominiums.
POPStop, a drop-off service for e-commerce shipping and returns, is in all post offices, with the first standalone POPStop set up at Tampines MRT station in March. SingPost is also expanding the service to heartland stores equipped to receive parcels on its behalf.
It also has POPDrop, a self-service drop-off box where customers can pay bills and purchase shipping labels. The first is located at the General Post Office at SingPost Centre in Paya Lebar, with more to come.
“Together with our existing post office network in key locations, our goal is to create a comprehensive network of accessible touchpoints that deliver essential postal services to the community while ensuring operational relevance,” said the SingPost spokesperson.

SingPost Group on Aug 16 reported a first-quarter operating profit of $24.4 million. This was 105.2 per cent higher than the $11.9 million in the corresponding period the previous year. Its revenue rose 22.4 per cent on the year to $494.8 million, from $404.1 million previously.
The group said the rise in revenue was supported by growth in its Australia and Singapore businesses, even as letter mail volumes continued to fall and the post office network remained in the red. Letter mail and printed paper volumes in Singapore fell 8.1 per cent on the year to 87.8 million items, from 95.6 million items.

Ms Sobhika Mohan Sheila, 30, and her friend Pavithra Perumal, 26, both nurses, packing items into boxes to be shipped to India at Clementi Central Post Office at The Clementi Mall during its last day of operations on Sept 20. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
The speed and scale of digitalisation have led to a sharp decline in domestic letter volumes.
In July 2023, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How told Parliament that businesses account for more than 80 per cent of mail users, and an average consumer sends fewer than one letter per month. Most government agencies have also digitalised and are communicating with citizens through online channels.
Mr Tan added that the Infocomm Media Development Authority, the postal regulator, would examine current postal service obligations to ensure they remain relevant in today’s context.
To cover some costs amid SingPost’s continuing obligations to the nation, the postage rate for standard letter mail was increased from 31 cents to 51 cents from October 2023. It was the first substantive increase since 2014.
Ms Sobhika Mohan Sheila, who was at the post office at The Clementi Mall on Sept 20, said she did not know it was its last day.
The 30-year-old nurse and Jurong East resident, who was there to send clothes to relatives in India, said: “It’s sad. The customers, including the older ones, may have to travel farther to other places.”

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Call a closure a closure, and not a moving of premises​

Updated

Oct 09, 2024, 05:00 AM

FacebookTelegram

Singaporeans are generally a pragmatic lot, used to the ever-changing physical landscape and social environment.
Many of us realise that closures of various institutions and enterprises, commercial or otherwise, are as common as the entry of start-ups in the Singaporean market.
What I find disturbing is that there is a trend of communicating news of such closures using language that some of us find incongruous with actual events and intentions.
The recent closure of several Singapore Post branches (SingPost closes 12 post offices in two years, pivots to new service model, Sept 29) is a prime example. The company’s fliers state: “SingPost is moving to serve you better!” and add that one post office is “consolidating” with another.
There is no mention of branch closures, and no evidence of the affected branch “moving”, other than to transfer its services to an existing post office, which in turn has not significantly expanded its space to accommodate increased footfall.
Most times, there isn’t much of an increase in customers, since the “consolidated” location is often farther from transport hubs (like MRT stations) than the one that was shut.
This form of communication, avoiding any hint of a closure, certainly flies in the face of the increased transparency shown by other service providers. For instance, supermarket chain Giant did not claim its stores were “moving for better service” when it closed them.

Goh Shyan Lii

 

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Forum: Disappointed by results of renovation at hawker centre​

Oct 29, 2024


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

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

Lim Kee Yong

 

[Raiders]

Forum: Disappointed by results of renovation at hawker centre​

Oct 29, 2024


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

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

Lim Kee Yong

4 months and the renovation is like never renovate like that.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Stupid policy by the Singapore Police Force:

- if they think that the key is to practise safe riding habits.
How many motorcyclists ride dangerous, split lines, weave in and out of traffic, and do not observe traffic rules?

- if they say defensive riding courses for motorcyclists are available.
Would foreign (Malaysian) motorcyclists sign up for the course?

- if they think talks and activities organised by the TP are effective.
- What percentage of the motorcyclist population attended the courses?
- Are there any foreign (Malaysian) motorcyclists who attended?

Forum: Road safety a shared responsibility​

Nov 11, 2024

We refer to the letter by Mr Ong Kim Bock, “Regulate lane splitting by motorcyclists” (Oct 30). We share his concern on road safety for motorcyclists, and note his suggestion to regulate lane splitting or lane filtering, as it is known in some jurisdictions.
However, making lane filtering an offence may not be a practical solution and would be challenging to enforce. Instead, we believe that key for the safety of motorcyclists is to practise safe riding habits, including defensive riding, and to avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
Defensive riding courses for motorcyclists are available at all driving centres in Singapore. The Traffic Police (TP) also incorporates defensive riding knowledge and tips in road safety advisories, as well as in our engagements with motorcyclists.
This year’s Singapore Ride Safe campaign is just one of our engagements with the motorcyclist community. TP organised a series of talks and activities for motorcyclists in collaboration with our partners. They covered important topics such as how to conduct proper pre-ride checks and the importance of wearing appropriate riding gear to prevent serious injuries.
In addition, all motorists should be fully aware of the road situation around them, check their blind spots, and signal their intent before changing lanes or turning.
Road safety is a shared responsibility, and all road users must abide by the traffic rules to keep our roads safe for everyone.

Patrick Pang
Deputy Superintendent of Police
Covering Assistant Director (Media Relations Division)
Public Affairs Department, Singapore Police Force

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: SGH can improve response time for online bookings​

Nov 18, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raymond Koh Bock Swi

 

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‘Have to get a pail each time it rains’: Serangoon HDB residents with leaking ceilings​

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1 of 3
Roof repair works by the town council have not fixed the issue, which has become worse amid the recent rainy weather.ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

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The Serangoon Avenue 4 block was built in 1985, and some residents say the roof started leaking years ago.ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

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Town councils are responsible for the maintenance of common property in HDB estates, including rooftops of public housing blocks.ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
››
Isabelle Liew
Nov 28, 2024

SINGAPORE – For more than 1½ years, Ms Eden Tan has had to reach for a pail each time it rains because water would start dripping from the ceiling of her Serangoon Housing Board flat.

Shortly after Ms Tan moved into the four-room flat on the top floor in 2022, she noticed that the ceiling would leak when it pours.

Roof repair works by the town council have not fixed the issue, which has become worse amid the recent rainy weather. It has caused mould to grow inside one of the bedrooms, and parts of the plaster on the ceiling to crumble off.

“I always have a pail in the affected room to catch the murky water, but it gets full in a few hours. This entire ordeal has been very distressing for my family and we are desperate for it to be fixed,” said the 36-year-old housewife.

Ms Tan, who lives in the flat with her husband, five-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter, is one of at least four households in the same block that have had to live with leaky ceilings.

She told The Straits Times she is worried that the leaks could potentially be dangerous if water drips onto electronics at home.

Her husband sleeps in the affected room – which used to be their son’s bedroom – and his eczema has worsened because of the mould and flaking plaster, she said.


Their son now sleeps with Ms Tan in the master bedroom, which is unaffected.

The Serangoon Avenue 4 block was built in 1985, and some residents say the roof started leaking years ago. They would report the issue to the town council, but the issue would persist despite repeated repairs on the roof.

Town councils are responsible for the maintenance of common property in HDB estates, including rooftops of public housing blocks.

Another resident, a part-time tutor who wanted to be known only as Madam Tan, said her ceiling has leaked for most of the 20 years she has lived in the block.

When ST visited the unit on Nov 25, several patches of water damage and mould could be seen on the ceiling of her three-room flat.

“I have to take out a pail every time it rains, but I’m used to it already,” said Madam Tan, 58.

Several patches of water damage and mould could be seen on the ceiling in Madam Tan’s three-room flat.ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
Retired factory worker Lim Noy, 70, who has lived in the block for more than 30 years, said the water seepage issue cropped up in the last decade and would worsen during rainy periods.

She added that her 70-year-old husband had patched up the water damage in their ceiling about four times over the last three years.

Madam Lim Noy, 70, said her 70-year-old husband patched up the water damage in their ceiling by himself.ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
Another resident, Ms Joe Auyong, 47, said she has gone through three sofas in five years as a result of the dripping water. She has been placing waterproof covers over her furniture.

“I thought about moving out, but housing prices have been getting steeper,” said the retired designer. She added that the mould has affected the health of her parents, who are in their 70s.

Asked about the issue, the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council said it has been working to resolve the leaks “within the shortest possible time”.

It said that it faced challenges in identifying the source of water seepage, as there can be multiple ingress points, and water can travel along various paths within walls before becoming visible.

“Thus, in some cases of seepage, it may take several repair attempts before the problem is rectified,” it added.

The town council said it is also working to expedite reroofing works in all its divisions, including in the affected block.

Ms Tan said that even if the external roof is repaired, the family has to fork out the cost of repairing their ceiling as they do not have insurance coverage on that.

“My husband is the sole breadwinner and we paid for this house with all our cash. We don’t have the money to fix this,” she added.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Time to fix leaking ceiling problem for good​

Dec 02, 2024

The article “‘Have to get a pail each time it rains’: Serangoon HDB residents with leaking ceilings” (Nov 28) hit a raw nerve when I read it.

I, too, am a resident of Serangoon Avenue 4 and I can understand how those living in HDB flats on the same street are suffering because of leaking ceilings.

Ever since we moved in in 2000, my family and I have had to deal with a leaking ceiling in our flat. There is not one but multiple leaks. Over the years, we have informed the town council on multiple occasions about these leaks.

Despite its best efforts to fix the problem several times, the repairs have not been effective. Leaks still occur when there is a heavy downpour. This causes much distress for my family. Living on the top floor, we constantly fear that the roof might one day collapse.

It is extremely frustrating when we continue to see leaks in our flat, especially after we have been told by the town council that repair works have been carried out.

We hope the authorities will look more closely at resolving this matter.

Ryan Joshua Mahindapala

 

[k1976]

#1
"The two have been suspended, and will have to undergo re-training and re-certification before they can resume their duties, said Mr Neo at a media briefing."

If both were in the private sector, both would have been sacked.
Just two!!?? Dot thinks all the employees have to undergo re-training and re-certification.

Two SMRT staff suspended after human error worsened MRT disruption on Oct 14

The two SMRT staff had misread equipment at the substation and thought that the power fault in Tuas had been isolated.ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

Clement Yong

• PUBLISHED
  OCT 28, 2020, 10:49 PM SGT

FACEBOOKTWITTER

SINGAPORE - When a power fault first struck the North-South and East-West lines on Oct 14, SMRT's first focus was to avoid having to evacuate passengers on stalled trains, said its chief executive Neo Kian Hong on Wednesday (Oct 28).

That was why the operator decided to draw power from an alternative substation in Buona Vista, in a bid to restore service along the affected stations more quickly.

But two of its employees - a supervisor and a staff member - misread equipment at the substation and thought that the power fault in Tuas had been isolated when it had not.

The failure to isolate the fault before drawing power caused a voltage dip at the substation, which powers the Circle Line (CCL). This caused a power trip and affected service on the CCL.

The two have been suspended, and will have to undergo re-training and re-certification before they can resume their duties, said Mr Neo at a media briefing.

He also said that SMRT took "a lot of safety precautions" when it decided that it had to evacuate passengers from the stalled trains, to maintain the safety and well-being of commuters on board.

These included suspending detrainment for one of the trains near Bukit Batok at 8.44pm due to rain and lightning risk.

The train, which was the last to be cleared of passengers, was emptied only at 9.43pm, two hours and 45 minutes after the fault began.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Wednesday said passengers had to be detrained from 15 stalled trains - three on the Circle Line and 12 on the North-South and East-West lines.

Commuters getting out of the train onto the tracks near Kranji station

Detrainment was completed within 20 minutes on the Circle Line, but took more than an hour for those on the North-South and East-West lines.


In a report released on Wednesday, the LTA said it had received feedback that more updates should be provided on the situation leading up to the detrainment, "for better awareness and preparedness".


SMRT will continue to improve its communications during disruptions, and arrange for its staff to provide commuters in stalled trains with more updates, the LTA said.

It noted that regular bus services plying the affected stations were made free immediately, and 120 shuttle buses were mobilised to ferry commuters.

"There were periods of crowd congestion at the bus points of the affected stations initially and later at the stations where trains turned around," the LTA said.

Crowds waiting to board buses at Queenstown MRT station, after a power fault led to the suspension of train services, on Oct 14, 2020.
ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE

Investigations conducted later that night found that power cables located around 500m from Tuas Link station along the Tuas West Extension were burnt through.

There were short circuits between three cables on the upper layer of the two-layer power cable network, which led to a high fault current burning through the cables.

The burnt section of cable that led to the massive disruption on Oct 14, 2020. PHOTO: LTA

In addition, a trip coil - a component of a nearby circuit breaker which should have kicked in to isolate the fault - was found to have melted. This caused the circuit breaker to fail.

The LTA said repair works on the faulty power cables between Tuas Link and Tuas West Road stations were completed over two nights, on Oct 16 and 17.

The faulty trip coil was replaced on the night of the incident itself.

A trip coil that melted caused the circuit breaker to fail, leading to the disruption on Oct 14, 2020. PHOTO LTA

SMRT checked all trip coils along the Tuas West Extension as a precaution, and found two other trip coils that "exhibited inconsistent performance that could result in a similar failure".

French firm Alstom - which supplied the power system - is conducting forensic investigations on the faulty trip coils, the LTA said.

The report also revealed that the Tuas West Extension had experienced similar cable faults since it began operations in May 2017.

Two cable faults occurred in 2018, and two more occurred this year, in January and June.

The faults all occurred at the upper layer of the cables, along different stretches along the MRT extension line. Train services were not affected because the circuit breakers kicked in to isolate the faulty cables, the LTA said.

After the fault in June, Alstom had agreed to replace all upper layer power cables with cables that have tougher insulation. The replacement was scheduled to start this month.

It had also agreed to a 20-year warranty extension for the lower layer cables.

Following the Oct 14 disruption, Alstom also agreed to replace all the lower layer cables. In all, it will replace about 150km of cables along the Tuas West Extension by the end of next year, at its own cost.

Are both talents?

Why no picture, name and family / neighbours interview?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Make it easier for those who win cases at Small Claims Tribunals to get their money​

Jan 27, 2025

The Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) were established to provide ordinary citizens with a simple, inexpensive way to resolve disputes without lawyers. However, when defendants don’t pay up, the convoluted enforcement process completely undermines this purpose.

Recently, I won a case at the SCT against a company that provided fraudulent services. Despite a clear order, the company refused to pay the judgment sum. This is where the supposedly simple system breaks down.

To enforce the SCT order, claimants must navigate complex district court procedures. One must file an originating application, ex parte summons and various affidavits – terms most laypeople would not understand.

When I was at the State Courts filing these documents, the secretary told me people often need to make multiple trips to get everything correct.

The process involves multiple court systems, confusing filing procedures, and documents that must be sworn before commissioners of oaths. What started as a straightforward SCT claim became a maze of legal procedures, practically requiring a lawyer’s expertise.

This creates a troubling situation. Many successful SCT claimants may give up on enforcement because the process is too daunting, or they have to incur legal costs that could exceed their claim amount. This effectively rewards defendants who refuse to pay SCT orders, knowing that enforcement is beyond most people’s capabilities.

If you win an SCT case against someone who refuses to pay, should you need a law degree or a lawyer to enforce a judgment from a court specifically designed to help ordinary citizens?


While the system works well up to the judgment stage, the enforcement process needs urgent reform to maintain the SCT’s purpose of providing accessible justice.

A simplified, user-friendly enforcement process would ensure that SCT judgments actually result in justice being served.

Solomon Poon Ke Foong

 

[spinn]

lol rike eberiting else highest payed but oni for show

eben d lemon law is itself a total lemon

mani mani udders eg tafep, skills upgrading, etc all distractions to make peasants go round in cirlces roflmao

 

[WangChuk]

Silver Serpents all have IRON RICE BOWLs .... all their mistakes and wrong doings are paid by the Daft Taxpayers monies .....

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Forum: Bothered by exhaust from laundromat below my flat​

Feb 10, 2025

While laundromats have brought convenience for some residents, I would like to raise a pressing concern _ are measures in place to properly manage laundromat exhaust? (Laundromats see brisk business amid monsoon surge, Jan 18)

My family lives two floors above a laundromat. From time to time, bursts of overwhelming laundry odours invade our home and it becomes difficult to breathe comfortably. We then have to rush to close the windows to get rid of the smell.

Apart from causing this short-term inconvenience, the exhaust airstream contains airborne chemicals from cleaning solvents, fragrances and fabric softeners and may harm human health in the long run.

I raised this issue with the National Environment Agency, which passed my inquiry on to the Housing Board.

HDB acknowledged that it was investigating the issue and that the laundromat owner was going to implement an exhaust system. More than a month has passed since I followed up twice with the case officer to ask about the implementation timeline.

Meanwhile, exhaust from the laundromat continues to be an unpleasant occurrence in our daily lives.

Residents on low HDB floors have long suffered air pollution from vehicle exhausts and burning of joss paper offerings. Laundromat exhaust is now adding to the burden.

I raised my concern directly to the agencies in good faith that due consideration would be given to residents’ living environment, but what recourse do residents have when there is no prompt resolution?

Is a well-designed exhaust system not part of the set-up requirements when laundromats operate in HDB estates? If HDB recognises this as an issue and is getting the operator to set one up, why are the laundromat’s operations not suspended while this is pending?

Yvonne Sim

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

District Judge Soh Tze Bian leaves his position​

Mr Soh Tze Bian made the news in the past two years after the quality of his work had been publicly highlighted twice by two Supreme Court judges.ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Nadine Chua
Feb 11, 2025


SINGAPORE - District Judge Soh Tze Bian has left his positions as a judge and a deputy registrar of the State Courts.

A Government Gazette notice published on Jan 16 said Mr Soh would cease to be a district judge and deputy registrar of the State Courts from Jan 17.

In response to queries, a spokesman for the Judiciary said on Feb 11 that Mr Soh, who was appointed a district judge on Aug 1, 2008, retired from the Singapore Judicial Service.

Mr Soh made the news in the past two years after the quality of his work had been publicly highlighted twice by two Supreme Court judges.

In September 2023, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said Mr Soh had fallen short of the standards of professionalism expected of the judiciary after he was found to have reproduced large chunks of the prosecution’s submissions in his written grounds of decision.

The Chief Justice ruled that while the district judge’s conduct was wholly unsatisfactory as a matter of judicial practice, it did not give rise to a reasonable suspicion of bias.

CJ Menon said: “I do not regard this as reflective of the general attitude of our judicial officers, who uniformly and consistently uphold the highest standards in their daily work of discharging the grave responsibility that is entrusted to them. Their efforts should not be tarnished by this incident.”

The Chief Justice made these remarks as he delivered his decision to allow an appeal by a man whom Mr Soh had sentenced to 16 weeks’ jail in April 2023 for conspiring with a doctor to falsify Covid-19 vaccination records.

CJ Menon reduced the offender’s jail term to 12 weeks after concluding that the risk of the potential harm to the Health Promotion Board was low.

The second incident happened in December 2024, when Mr Soh again used substantial portions of the prosecution’s submissions in his judgment without his own analysis.

High Court judge Aidan Xu said in a written judgment that the district judge had failed to apply his mind to the material before him in the case of a taxi driver who was convicted of molesting a teenage girl.

The High Court judge did not identify Mr Soh in his judgment, as is the practice in appellate court judgments, but a check showed that the trial judge was Mr Soh.

The taxi driver was convicted in October 2023 and sentenced to eight months’ jail.

After the taxi driver appealed against his conviction and sentence, Justice Xu set aside Mr Soh’s decision and decided the entire case afresh.

Ultimately, the High Court judge concluded that there was no apparent bias, and the conviction and sentence remained.

When asked if Mr Soh’s retirement was due to the quality of his work being critiqued, the Judiciary said they had no further comments on this matter.

 

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Forum: Steps taken to resolve Bizfile issues and improve IT management​

Feb 27, 2025

We thank Mr Tan Swee Leng for the feedback in his letter “MOF should set up panel to find root cause of Acra’s portal glitches” (Feb 20).

We recognise the difficulties that users have faced due to the issues with Acra’s new Bizfile portal. Acra is working hard with its IT vendor to resolve them as soon as possible.

In the meantime, Acra has been providing direct assistance to users with urgent needs. We thank users for their patience and understanding.

The Ministry of Finance is also working with Acra and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information to look into the root causes, identify learning points and determine the follow-up actions needed.

The lessons learnt from the review will be incorporated into broader plans to develop capabilities in the Government on the planning, design and management of IT projects, in partnership with the industry.

Chin Yi Zhuan
Director (Economic Programmes)
Ministry of Finance

 

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NRIC saga: Review finds key Acra, MDDI shortcomings; no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing​

A review panel investigated the disclosure of individuals’ full NRIC numbers on government business portal Bizfile.ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG


Irene Tham
Mar 03, 2025

SINGAPORE – A review panel that investigated the disclosure of individuals’ full NRIC numbers on a government business portal has found no evidence of malicious intent or wilful wrongdoing.

But the panel, led by head of civil service Leo Yip, uncovered shortcomings by both the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Acra) and the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) in the incident.

The six shortcomings included security lapses at Acra that contravened the Government’s internal data management rules, and lack of clear communication between Acra and MDDI that led to full NRIC numbers being published on Acra’s refreshed business portal Bizfile in December 2024.

“In this incident, the public service did not perform to the level we set for ourselves. We should have done better, and this review contains important lessons which we will apply,” said the panel in its report released on March 3.

“More importantly, the lessons that the panel had identified will be disseminated across the whole of the public service, so that agencies can take these on board and similar incidents do not recur.”

The report was submitted to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Feb 26. In a letter issued to the media, he said he agreed with the assessment of the shortcomings as well as the learning points identified.

“The report sets out key lessons for the public service. The Government will take these lessons to heart, improve its processes, and strive to do better moving forward,” he said.

On Dec 9, 2024, Acra refreshed its Bizfile portal with a search feature that allowed the full NRIC numbers of registered people on its database to be accessed for free. The feature was taken down on Dec 13 after public backlash.

The panel said in its report: “While the panel did not find any factual evidence of deliberate wrongdoing or wilful inaction by the MDDI and Acra officers involved in this incident, it found several shortcomings by both Acra and MDDI in this incident, which should have been avoided.”

MDDI should have been clearer in its policy communications, it said, particularly, in its July 2024 circular minute (CM) that went to all public agencies, requiring them to stop the use of NRIC numbers for authentication, and stop internal uses of masked NRIC numbers within the public sector.

This was to take place from Nov 1 that year, in line with a broader national policy intent to return NRIC numbers to their proper use as unique identifiers, by stopping the incorrect use of NRIC numbers for authentication.

The CM also informed agencies not to introduce any new uses of masked NRIC numbers, both internally and externally, with immediate effect.

“MDDI and Acra staff did not realise that Acra had misunderstood how the July 2024 CM applied to the new Bizfile portal,” according to the panel.

Acra’s refreshed Bizfile portal, which was meant to continue to display partial NRIC numbers alongside corresponding names in search results, was not considered a new use by MDDI. But Acra’s takeaway was different.

Also, the misinterpretation was not caught as two Acra staff involved in a follow-up MDDI briefing in mid-July did not disseminate the additional briefing materials to the project leads for the new Bizfile portal and Acra’s senior leadership.

The panel – which comprises the permanent secretaries of multiple ministries – found that Acra was the only agency that had misunderstood the July 2024 CM to the extent that it did.

The panel also found that Acra did not assess the proper balance between sharing full NRIC numbers and ensuring that they were not too readily accessible.

“This was a contravention of IM8, which Acra was required to comply with under the PSGA (Public Sector Governance Act),” said the panel in its report, titled “Report of the Review into the Public Disclosure of Full NRIC Numbers on Bizfile People Search”.

IM8 is a set of instructions which govern how public agencies collect, use and disclose citizens’ data. The public sector’s personal data protection standards in the PSGA and IM8 are aligned with the Personal Data Protection Act, but have been adapted to the public service context.

Alternative designs for Bizfile should have been considered, said the report. One way is to require users to narrow their search by keying in additional parameters like the unique entity number of the associated business entity.

As for MDDI, it should have given more attention to the implementation plan for new uses of partial NRIC numbers that were more complex, such as public registries, the panel said in its report.

“The panel would like to emphasise the importance of agencies regularly assessing data security and protection risks, taking into account user needs and public concerns,” according to the report.

“When there is a new policy direction, agencies should reassess the adequacy and appropriateness of their system design and make comprehensive assessments of different options to meet the policy objective.”

The panel affirmed the broad policy intent to stop the incorrect use of NRIC numbers for authentication and move away from the use of partial NRIC numbers. This will be carried out in phases starting with the public sector and involving public consultations. “Doing so would better protect our citizens,” according to the report.

“The Public Service Division, MDDI and Acra will separately follow up to review the actions and responsibilities of the relevant individual officers. This will be conducted in accordance with the applicable accountability and disciplinary frameworks and processes in the respective public agencies involved,” the panel said.

The panel also acknowledged that the issue could have been better managed after public concerns surfaced. Acra should have disabled the people search function sooner, and the response to the public should have been better coordinated and clearer.

“In hindsight, the Government should have made clear to the public at the outset that moving away from the use of partial NRIC numbers did not automatically mean using full NRIC numbers in every case, or disclosing them on a large scale,” the panel said.

On Feb 25, the panel submitted its report to Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, who is also Minister-in-charge of Public Sector Data Governance and oversees the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group. SM Teo, in turn, submitted the report to PM Wong the next day.

SM Teo will deliver a ministerial statement on the report in Parliament on March 6, said the Prime Minister’s Office.

Apologising for its oversight, MDDI said in a statement on March 3: “In this incident, the public service did not perform to the level we set for ourselves.”

The ministry is preventing similar incidents by providing more guidance to government agencies on how the policy on NRIC numbers should be applied. It has identified almost 800 existing uses of partial NRIC numbers in public-facing systems, including tenancy documents. It will also step up public education on the incorrect use of NRIC numbers.

Acra, in a joint response on March 3 with the Ministry of Finance, also apologised for the incident and said it is taking steps to address the shortcomings.

These efforts include conducting more regular risk reviews before, during and after major tech system changes. Acra also said it will strengthen its vendor oversight and launch user tests prior to new system launches.

MDDI and Acra said appropriate actions are being taken with the officers and leaders involved, including performance assessments with financial consequences and additional training.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

6 missteps in Acra’s disclosure of full NRIC numbers in December 2024​

A review panel flagged shortcomings that led to the mass disclosure of NRIC numbers of key business representatives and others on Bizfile’s database. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Osmond Chia
Mar 03, 2025

SINGAPORE - A review panel investigating the disclosure of full NRIC numbers last December on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority’s (Acra) Bizfile portal published its findings on March 3.

The probe found no deliberate wrongdoing by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) or Acra, but flagged shortcomings that led to the mass disclosure of NRIC numbers of key business representatives and others on Bizfile’s database.

These are the key shortcomings highlighted:

The report found that MDDI was not clear enough in its policy communications issued in July 2024 in a circular minute (CM) to various government agencies on plans to end the use of NRIC numbers for authentication and cease any new masked NRIC usage by Nov 1, 2024.

MDDI had written that agencies are to immediately cease any planned use of masked NRIC numbers, such as in new business processes or digital products.

In a question-and-answer section on what agencies should do with all the masked NRIC numbers currently in existing systems, MDDI said the agencies are not allowed to continue to use masked NRIC numbers in any of the internal government systems. “Agencies should either display the full NRIC number, or consider if there is even a need to use NRIC numbers.”

Given that this was a complex policy, MDDI should have been more precise and provided more context in the circular message, the panel wrote, adding: “This would have helped agencies like Acra better interpret the CM.”

It noted that MDDI made an effort to ensure the circular was understood by agencies, having engaged with nearly 50 agencies, including Acra, on their use of NRIC numbers.

Acra and MDDI had exchanged multiple e-mails on the topic without addressing the crux of the misunderstandings.

For instance, MDDI was not explicit that it considered Bizfile’s People Search tool an existing use, rather than a “planned use”, of partial NRIC numbers that would not be immediately stopped. In turn, Acra did not make clear its interpretation of MDDI’s instructions.

“Both agencies should have taken the initiative to discuss the matter in depth, given that there were important details to clarify and that the new Bizfile portal is a major public platform,” according to the report.

Two officers from Acra who attended MDDI’s July 16 briefing and received meeting materials on the new policy should have ensured that the information was disseminated within Acra, especially to those who needed to act on the circular. “However, this was not done,” said the panel.

A frequently-asked-questions document that was shared with the officers would have alerted senior management to the fact that stopping the use of partial NRIC numbers did not mean showing full NRIC numbers in every case, and agencies could drop the use of NRIC numbers altogether.

The panel recommended that Acra review its processes to ensure there is sufficient dissemination of information within the organisation and to those who would require it to make informed decisions.

MDDI should have given more guidance to more complex new applications – such as public registries – to help agencies understand how to stop the use of partial NRIC numbers and decide if full NRIC numbers were necessary, the panel reported.

Although Bizfile’s People Search function was an existing-use case – rather than a new application, as Acra had thought – it was a more complex use of NRIC numbers that warranted closer guidance by MDDI, the report said.

The panel found that Acra misjudged the need for corporate checks through Bizfile at the expense of privacy, making personal data too easily accessible.

Acra applied its incorrect interpretation of MDDI’s message to its existing Bizfile design without adapting it to the purposes of the People Search function, which is primarily to help users narrow down which profile to purchase, such as to identify an individual who might have the same name as others.

The panel said Acra should have explored alternative People Search designs in the new Bizfile portal, ensuring that users could retrieve only the necessary data – such as by requiring extra search parameters like a Unique Entity Number.

The report noted that although Acra was aware of the risks of displaying full NRIC numbers, it did not adequately consider other designs, as the new Bizfile portal was in its final stages of development when MDDI’s new directions were introduced in July.

Acra should have considered if there was a need for Bizfile users to view the NRIC numbers in full.

The incident took place before public education efforts had begun on the proper use of NRIC numbers as a unique identifier, exacerbating concerns when the full NRIC numbers were easily retrievable on Bizfile, said the report, adding that MDDI should have started public engagement earlier than it had planned.

Some cyber-security features that would have prevented users from collecting data from the Bizfile portal en masse were not adequately set up when the portal was launched on Dec 9, the panel found.

This included the Captcha function, a common pop-up that challenges users to decipher stretched letters or other tests to tell apart real users from automated users such as bots.

Acra asked its IT vendor to resolve the issue urgently, and it was fixed by the time the People Search function resumed on Dec 28.

The IT vendor was not named in the report.

At least 500,000 queries were made on People Search between Dec 9 and 13, higher than the usual daily traffic of up to 3,000 queries, the report wrote, adding that the searches came from some 28,000 IP addresses, most of them overseas.

The report noted that Acra was not able to identify the exact number of NRIC numbers that were disclosed through these queries, as the Bizfile portal is not configured to track individual queries for the People Search function.

Acra should have disabled the People Search function sooner and, along with MDDI, should have acted faster to lay down the key facts on how the incident happened, after public concerns surfaced on Dec 12, said the report.

It took Acra and MDDI some time to figure out the misunderstanding of MDDI’s instructions and whether there were alternatives to halting the People Search function.

The panel said the agencies should have paid more attention to the disclosure of NRIC numbers first, even as they clarified MDDI’s July instructions.

“Doing so could have helped the agencies to decide and disable the People Search function earlier,” said the report.

The panel added that the agencies should have done better in their response to the public. Various officers in the agencies were responding to public queries without close coordination, said the panel, urging the agencies to review their processes for handling public feedback.

There is room for improvement in how the agencies handled public communications on the correct use of NRIC numbers, the report added.

The Government should have made clear to the public at the outset that moving away from the use of partial NRIC numbers did not automatically mean using full NRIC numbers in every case, nor was it the Government’s intention to disclose full NRIC numbers on a large scale.

The review panel wrote: “Doing so would have helped to reassure the public that NRIC numbers remain personal data, which should only be collected, used or disclosed when there is a need to do so.”