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

 

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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.”

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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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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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
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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.