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The standard of service from the civil/government services
- Thread starter LITTLEREDDOT
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Is it just govt retards? Reporters did not eveb ask how old the wires are and whethwe they have been faulty before. Shit state run garbage
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#12
3,000 civil servants gong gong. Not a single one among the 3,000 checked their benefits.
3,000 civil servants to get $10m in compensation after errors in records affected their starting pay, benefits
The Civil Service will compensate the officers who were underpaid due to these errors.ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Linette Lai
Political Correspondent
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO
SINGAPORE - Errors have been found in the records of around 3,000 former and current civil servants, which impacted benefits they received such as their starting salaries and medical leave wages.
Disclosing this on Wednesday (Nov 18), the Public Service Division (PSD) said it discovered the errors while upgrading the civil service's human resources and payroll IT systems.
The Civil Service will compensate both current and past officers who were underpaid due to these errors, with the total sum amounting to around $10 million.
Those affected represented about 2 per cent of the civil servant population over the past two decades, said the PSD.
It took more than two years after the errors were discovered to trace and validate the IT system errors, check through 102,000 current and past records which date back to the 1990s, and re-calculate benefits, the PSD added.
Most of the errors related to inaccuracies in the full-time national service records of civil servants.
Further checks also found errors in the calculation of medical leave wages, as well as in a program used to tot up payments that some pensioners make when they retire from the service.
The mistakes arose primarily because of human error in data entry, as well as the coding of the IT systems involved, the PSD said.
These systems also had inadequate error detection capabilities, it noted.
The PSD said it will not be recovering any excess money paid out, "given that these resulted from errors made a long time ago".
It is also working with all statutory boards to check and verify their employee records.
"The statutory boards will similarly make good any errors if discovered," said the PSD.
Mr Loh Khum Yean, who is permanent secretary of the PSD, said the Public Service is deeply sorry for the errors and inconvenience caused.
"We will make every effort to reach out to every adversely impacted individual to apologise for the error, explain the situation, as well as make good the discrepancy," he said. "We have rectified the system programming and built-in error detection capabilities to flag potential errors and ensure such inaccuracies do not recur."
To make up for these errors, those adversely affected may have their pensions amounts recalculated or be given a one-time leave difference.
They will be paid for long service awards they missed out on, and have the next tier of long service awards brought forward.
The PSD said it will also compensate those who had to use no-pay leave due to insufficient sick leave, and rectify the shortfall in starting salaries where applicable.
How the errors occurred
Explaining how the errors occurred, the PSD said the national service period is taken as part of a civil servant's length of service, and therefore has an impact on starting salary and benefits.
Since 2002, the Civil Service has recognised the "fitness cut" period, where enlistees who meet physical fitness requirements serve one or two months less than their peers, in determining starting salaries and benefits.
However, this "fitness cut" data was not included in the records of some 1,400 civil servants.
This affected areas such as starting salaries, retirement benefits, leave eligibility, extended sick leave quotas, and individuals' eligibility for long service awards.
Another error involved a problem with the formula used to calculate medical leave wages for injured employees on service injury leave, which affected around 1,000 people.
These wages are supposed to be calculated based on an employee's average monthly earnings - including their monthly salary, bonuses and overtime pay.
However, it was wrongly calculated based on gross monthly salary.
The last error was discovered in the program used to tot up payments that some pensioners make when they retire from the service.
Typically, retiring civil servants with non-pensionable service can choose to return the employer's portion of Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, in order to get annual allowances.
But the wrong CPF rates were entered into the IT system that calculated these refund amounts, resulting in some 500 people paying back more than they should have.
This money will be returned to the affected individuals or their dependants, PSD said.
The PSD will contact all current and former civil servants who were under-compensated due to the errors by March 2021.
People who have left the service will received a registered letter at their last known address, as well as phone calls and home visits.
Those who are not contacted by next March have not been adversely affected by the errors, it said.
People with questions can approach the human resources departments of the government agencies they are working in or were employed with. They can also write in to [email protected].
3,000 civil servants gong gong. Not a single one among the 3,000 checked their benefits.
3,000 civil servants to get $10m in compensation after errors in records affected their starting pay, benefits
The Civil Service will compensate the officers who were underpaid due to these errors.ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Linette Lai
Political Correspondent
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO
SINGAPORE - Errors have been found in the records of around 3,000 former and current civil servants, which impacted benefits they received such as their starting salaries and medical leave wages.
Disclosing this on Wednesday (Nov 18), the Public Service Division (PSD) said it discovered the errors while upgrading the civil service's human resources and payroll IT systems.
The Civil Service will compensate both current and past officers who were underpaid due to these errors, with the total sum amounting to around $10 million.
Those affected represented about 2 per cent of the civil servant population over the past two decades, said the PSD.
It took more than two years after the errors were discovered to trace and validate the IT system errors, check through 102,000 current and past records which date back to the 1990s, and re-calculate benefits, the PSD added.
Most of the errors related to inaccuracies in the full-time national service records of civil servants.
Further checks also found errors in the calculation of medical leave wages, as well as in a program used to tot up payments that some pensioners make when they retire from the service.
The mistakes arose primarily because of human error in data entry, as well as the coding of the IT systems involved, the PSD said.
These systems also had inadequate error detection capabilities, it noted.
The PSD said it will not be recovering any excess money paid out, "given that these resulted from errors made a long time ago".
It is also working with all statutory boards to check and verify their employee records.
"The statutory boards will similarly make good any errors if discovered," said the PSD.
Mr Loh Khum Yean, who is permanent secretary of the PSD, said the Public Service is deeply sorry for the errors and inconvenience caused.
"We will make every effort to reach out to every adversely impacted individual to apologise for the error, explain the situation, as well as make good the discrepancy," he said. "We have rectified the system programming and built-in error detection capabilities to flag potential errors and ensure such inaccuracies do not recur."
To make up for these errors, those adversely affected may have their pensions amounts recalculated or be given a one-time leave difference.
They will be paid for long service awards they missed out on, and have the next tier of long service awards brought forward.
The PSD said it will also compensate those who had to use no-pay leave due to insufficient sick leave, and rectify the shortfall in starting salaries where applicable.
How the errors occurred
Explaining how the errors occurred, the PSD said the national service period is taken as part of a civil servant's length of service, and therefore has an impact on starting salary and benefits.
Since 2002, the Civil Service has recognised the "fitness cut" period, where enlistees who meet physical fitness requirements serve one or two months less than their peers, in determining starting salaries and benefits.
However, this "fitness cut" data was not included in the records of some 1,400 civil servants.
This affected areas such as starting salaries, retirement benefits, leave eligibility, extended sick leave quotas, and individuals' eligibility for long service awards.
Another error involved a problem with the formula used to calculate medical leave wages for injured employees on service injury leave, which affected around 1,000 people.
These wages are supposed to be calculated based on an employee's average monthly earnings - including their monthly salary, bonuses and overtime pay.
However, it was wrongly calculated based on gross monthly salary.
The last error was discovered in the program used to tot up payments that some pensioners make when they retire from the service.
Typically, retiring civil servants with non-pensionable service can choose to return the employer's portion of Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, in order to get annual allowances.
But the wrong CPF rates were entered into the IT system that calculated these refund amounts, resulting in some 500 people paying back more than they should have.
This money will be returned to the affected individuals or their dependants, PSD said.
The PSD will contact all current and former civil servants who were under-compensated due to the errors by March 2021.
People who have left the service will received a registered letter at their last known address, as well as phone calls and home visits.
Those who are not contacted by next March have not been adversely affected by the errors, it said.
People with questions can approach the human resources departments of the government agencies they are working in or were employed with. They can also write in to [email protected].
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#13
Why did the police take so long to visit the apartment?
Remains of elderly woman living alone found in flat more than a year after she was last seen
Mdm Lily Loh's fate was only discovered when police officers entered her flat and found her remains.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Dominic Low
PUBLISHED NOV 25, 2020
SINGAPORE - After an elderly woman living alone was not seen outside her condominium unit for months and letters began piling outside her door, the condo's management was notified.
But her fate was only discovered more than a year later on Monday (Nov 23), when police officers entered her flat and found her remains.
The woman, believed to be Madam Lily Loh and in her 80s, was a resident at The Shore Residences, a condo in Amber Road near Katong Shopping Centre.
Another resident, who did not wish to be identified, told The Straits Times on Wednesday that Madam Loh lived alone and had only a dog for company.
She did not appear to have family members and had no visitors, the resident added.
After returning from an overseas trip in January last year, the resident stopped seeing Madam Loh at the condo.
At one point in February, there was also a "weird smell" in the common hallway.
But it was gone weeks later, after the resident returned from another overseas trip.
Later, mail began to pile up in front of Madam Loh's door, including court documents that appeared to have involved her and the condo management.
The management was notified about Madam Loh's disappearance, but nothing appeared to be done, said the resident.
It was only in late October this year that her missing status was relayed to Mr Lim Biow Chuan, who is MP for Mountbatten SMC.
Mr Lim told ST that he in turn notified the police.
ST understands that police officers went to the door of the unit in early November, but only entered the flat on Monday, along with condo management staff, who called them that day.
The police said on Tuesday: "Upon police arrival, remains believed to be that of a human and a dog were found inside a residential unit at 87 Amber Road. Preliminary investigations do not suspect foul play."
In response to ST's queries, the condo management said: "As we had some concerns regarding one of the residents living at The Shore earlier this week, we immediately alerted the police."
It did not give more details when asked why it had not acted sooner.
Investigations are still ongoing.
Why did the police take so long to visit the apartment?
Remains of elderly woman living alone found in flat more than a year after she was last seen
Mdm Lily Loh's fate was only discovered when police officers entered her flat and found her remains.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Dominic Low
PUBLISHED NOV 25, 2020
SINGAPORE - After an elderly woman living alone was not seen outside her condominium unit for months and letters began piling outside her door, the condo's management was notified.
But her fate was only discovered more than a year later on Monday (Nov 23), when police officers entered her flat and found her remains.
The woman, believed to be Madam Lily Loh and in her 80s, was a resident at The Shore Residences, a condo in Amber Road near Katong Shopping Centre.
Another resident, who did not wish to be identified, told The Straits Times on Wednesday that Madam Loh lived alone and had only a dog for company.
She did not appear to have family members and had no visitors, the resident added.
After returning from an overseas trip in January last year, the resident stopped seeing Madam Loh at the condo.
At one point in February, there was also a "weird smell" in the common hallway.
But it was gone weeks later, after the resident returned from another overseas trip.
Later, mail began to pile up in front of Madam Loh's door, including court documents that appeared to have involved her and the condo management.
The management was notified about Madam Loh's disappearance, but nothing appeared to be done, said the resident.
It was only in late October this year that her missing status was relayed to Mr Lim Biow Chuan, who is MP for Mountbatten SMC.
Mr Lim told ST that he in turn notified the police.
ST understands that police officers went to the door of the unit in early November, but only entered the flat on Monday, along with condo management staff, who called them that day.
The police said on Tuesday: "Upon police arrival, remains believed to be that of a human and a dog were found inside a residential unit at 87 Amber Road. Preliminary investigations do not suspect foul play."
In response to ST's queries, the condo management said: "As we had some concerns regarding one of the residents living at The Shore earlier this week, we immediately alerted the police."
It did not give more details when asked why it had not acted sooner.
Investigations are still ongoing.
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- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#14
Forum: How did incomplete covered walkway come about?
PUBLISHED DEC 9, 2020
Last week, a video highlighting a covered walkway in Punggol that stopped short of a bus stop went viral. Three days after the video was posted, workers started rectifying the issue.
While I'm glad that the relevant authorities took action following the news, it does raise questions, especially since public funds are involved.
That we had a completed product for use in broad daylight that did not make sense to the end user ought to raise alarm bells.
From the person approving the works and awarding the tender, to the contractor who designed it, the workers on the ground who did the actual construction and personnel who did the site survey before approving the final payment - did no one feel that the finished product was odd and raise the matter?
Was the work culture one that instilled a sense of ownership in all parties involved, or one that encouraged a "get it done on time so long as we are paid and it does not matter if it makes sense since it does not affect me" mentality?
Also, who is paying for the rectification works being carried out?
Felix Kim Heok Eng
Forum: How did incomplete covered walkway come about?
PUBLISHED DEC 9, 2020
Last week, a video highlighting a covered walkway in Punggol that stopped short of a bus stop went viral. Three days after the video was posted, workers started rectifying the issue.
While I'm glad that the relevant authorities took action following the news, it does raise questions, especially since public funds are involved.
That we had a completed product for use in broad daylight that did not make sense to the end user ought to raise alarm bells.
From the person approving the works and awarding the tender, to the contractor who designed it, the workers on the ground who did the actual construction and personnel who did the site survey before approving the final payment - did no one feel that the finished product was odd and raise the matter?
Was the work culture one that instilled a sense of ownership in all parties involved, or one that encouraged a "get it done on time so long as we are paid and it does not matter if it makes sense since it does not affect me" mentality?
Also, who is paying for the rectification works being carried out?
Felix Kim Heok Eng
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#15
Forum: Better cooperation needed among government agencies
PUBLISHED DEC 11, 2020
The points raised by Mr Felix Kim Heok Eng touch on a familiar topic (Work processes: How did incomplete covered walkway come about?, Dec 9).
A few years ago, a new bus stop was constructed in front of my Housing Board block. More than a year later, only part of the covered walkway linking the bus stop to the nearest block of flats was completed.
The town council's explanation was that the last part of the walkway was under the purview of a different authority and hence needed approval before works could continue.
Another case, which was raised in Parliament in 2017, was of a covered walkway that stopped short of the entrance to Khatib MRT station. It was reported that the last part of the walkway could not be completed because that area was a designated emergency fire escape route and the two agencies involved in the project could not agree on ways to meet the regulatory requirements.
When Bedok Town Centre was rejuvenated in 2015, there were no shelters for the wheelchair-friendly ramps.
The HDB, in its reply to my query, said that "in view of the limited budget, shelters could not be provided to cover the new ramps. Hence, the upgrading works were focused on areas that best benefit the residents and users after the revamp".
One of the purposes of the HDB's Remaking Our Heartland programme is to meet the changing needs of the community. With an ageing population especially in older housing estates like Bedok, the HDB should have worked with stakeholders and agencies to include improvement works that benefit the elderly and wheelchair users.
The Municipal Services Office was set up to, among other things, "enhance the delivery of municipal services and infrastructure".
To this end, it will bring operations officers from various government agencies together to discuss multi-agency cases to improve the delivery of municipal services.
However, the aforementioned cases seem to illustrate that there is still a lack of cooperation between government agencies, and it comes at the expense of residents.
Betty Ho Peck Woon
Forum: Better cooperation needed among government agencies
PUBLISHED DEC 11, 2020
The points raised by Mr Felix Kim Heok Eng touch on a familiar topic (Work processes: How did incomplete covered walkway come about?, Dec 9).
A few years ago, a new bus stop was constructed in front of my Housing Board block. More than a year later, only part of the covered walkway linking the bus stop to the nearest block of flats was completed.
The town council's explanation was that the last part of the walkway was under the purview of a different authority and hence needed approval before works could continue.
Another case, which was raised in Parliament in 2017, was of a covered walkway that stopped short of the entrance to Khatib MRT station. It was reported that the last part of the walkway could not be completed because that area was a designated emergency fire escape route and the two agencies involved in the project could not agree on ways to meet the regulatory requirements.
When Bedok Town Centre was rejuvenated in 2015, there were no shelters for the wheelchair-friendly ramps.
The HDB, in its reply to my query, said that "in view of the limited budget, shelters could not be provided to cover the new ramps. Hence, the upgrading works were focused on areas that best benefit the residents and users after the revamp".
One of the purposes of the HDB's Remaking Our Heartland programme is to meet the changing needs of the community. With an ageing population especially in older housing estates like Bedok, the HDB should have worked with stakeholders and agencies to include improvement works that benefit the elderly and wheelchair users.
The Municipal Services Office was set up to, among other things, "enhance the delivery of municipal services and infrastructure".
To this end, it will bring operations officers from various government agencies together to discuss multi-agency cases to improve the delivery of municipal services.
However, the aforementioned cases seem to illustrate that there is still a lack of cooperation between government agencies, and it comes at the expense of residents.
Betty Ho Peck Woon
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#16
Walkway to Heaven?
Your picture: Design of new covered walkway not user-friendly
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LEW SIN HOE
PUBLISHED DEC 11
Residents in Choa Chu Kang face a problem similar to the one Mr Felix Kim Heok Eng described regarding covered walkways (Work processes: How did incomplete covered walkway come about?, Dec 9).
Two weeks ago, a short walkway linking Block 142 to a bus stop next to Chua Chu Kang Community Club was opened to much fanfare.
But the design of the walkway does not make sense.
One end of the walkway is blocked by a pillar and the other end connects to a basketball court (above).
This defeats the purpose of spending so much money to build a covered walkway; in the end, a basketball court interferes with it.
The basketball court is adjacent to a sepak takraw court with a high net strung across its length which blocks pedestrians from crossing.
Wheelchair users are blocked by the pillar at the other end.
What would work better is for this walkway to continue outside the basketball court to link up to another walkway nearby.
Lew Sin Hoe
Walkway to Heaven?
Your picture: Design of new covered walkway not user-friendly
PHOTO: COURTESY OF LEW SIN HOE
PUBLISHED DEC 11
Residents in Choa Chu Kang face a problem similar to the one Mr Felix Kim Heok Eng described regarding covered walkways (Work processes: How did incomplete covered walkway come about?, Dec 9).
Two weeks ago, a short walkway linking Block 142 to a bus stop next to Chua Chu Kang Community Club was opened to much fanfare.
But the design of the walkway does not make sense.
One end of the walkway is blocked by a pillar and the other end connects to a basketball court (above).
This defeats the purpose of spending so much money to build a covered walkway; in the end, a basketball court interferes with it.
The basketball court is adjacent to a sepak takraw court with a high net strung across its length which blocks pedestrians from crossing.
Wheelchair users are blocked by the pillar at the other end.
What would work better is for this walkway to continue outside the basketball court to link up to another walkway nearby.
Lew Sin Hoe
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#17
Forum: Case closed on OneService despite unresolved municipal issue
PUBLISHED 31 DEC 2020
OneService has been touted as a convenient one-stop service to report municipal issues.
But there seems to be a focus on quickly closing a reported case to achieve a high rate of "closure", while the underlying problem is not actually solved.
I first used OneService to lodge a complaint with the Housing Board on Nov 23, about how my upstairs neighbour's air-conditioning unit was leaking due to corrosion. I had spoken to her on multiple occasions, but she continued to ignore the problem.
Hence, I had no choice but to refer the issue to HDB together with photos of the visible corrosion.
HDB sent me an e-mail on Nov 27 to say that it was looking into the case.
On Dec 1, it sent a letter to my neighbour, with a copy sent to me, telling her to repair the air-conditioning unit by Dec 15 and to stop using it until the problem was rectified.
On Dec 10, metallic pieces of her air-conditioning unit started dropping onto my air-conditioning unit.
I took more photos and lodged a second report on Dec 12, as I was afraid that the unit might drop onto pedestrians walking below.
On Dec 15, the second case was marked as "closed" on OneService, with the remarks that my neighbour had been advised to repair the unit quickly.
An HDB officer also called me to assure me that it would send somebody down to look into the issue.
There has been no follow-up since then, while the air-conditioning unit has continued to leak and shed debris, and the corrosion has visibly worsened due to daily use of the unit.
Perhaps OneService can look into ensuring that cases are closed only when the problems raised are actually resolved.
Koh Kim Lian
Forum: Case closed on OneService despite unresolved municipal issue
PUBLISHED 31 DEC 2020
OneService has been touted as a convenient one-stop service to report municipal issues.
But there seems to be a focus on quickly closing a reported case to achieve a high rate of "closure", while the underlying problem is not actually solved.
I first used OneService to lodge a complaint with the Housing Board on Nov 23, about how my upstairs neighbour's air-conditioning unit was leaking due to corrosion. I had spoken to her on multiple occasions, but she continued to ignore the problem.
Hence, I had no choice but to refer the issue to HDB together with photos of the visible corrosion.
HDB sent me an e-mail on Nov 27 to say that it was looking into the case.
On Dec 1, it sent a letter to my neighbour, with a copy sent to me, telling her to repair the air-conditioning unit by Dec 15 and to stop using it until the problem was rectified.
On Dec 10, metallic pieces of her air-conditioning unit started dropping onto my air-conditioning unit.
I took more photos and lodged a second report on Dec 12, as I was afraid that the unit might drop onto pedestrians walking below.
On Dec 15, the second case was marked as "closed" on OneService, with the remarks that my neighbour had been advised to repair the unit quickly.
An HDB officer also called me to assure me that it would send somebody down to look into the issue.
There has been no follow-up since then, while the air-conditioning unit has continued to leak and shed debris, and the corrosion has visibly worsened due to daily use of the unit.
Perhaps OneService can look into ensuring that cases are closed only when the problems raised are actually resolved.
Koh Kim Lian
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#18
Forum: When sheltered walkways don't keep out rain
PUBLISHED 30 DEC 2020
The designs of sheltered walkways need a review, especially the raised sections over roads leading to the entrances of carparks and housing blocks (When public walkways, shelters fall short of expectations, Dec 28).
I recognise that they were built higher to cater to trucks and other tall vehicles such as buses and fire engines, in keeping with government guidelines.
I wonder, however, whether they may be too high and as a result provide inadequate shelter.
A look at the wet road surfaces beneath such high roofs after it rains will tell the story. Perhaps the raised roofs over such locations should be widened to ensure adequate pedestrian cover?
At my grandson's school in Bishan, the high roof extending from the side gate to the main building is of little help when it rains, and children get wet by the time they reach the building.
Ng Chor Chye
Forum: When sheltered walkways don't keep out rain
PUBLISHED 30 DEC 2020
The designs of sheltered walkways need a review, especially the raised sections over roads leading to the entrances of carparks and housing blocks (When public walkways, shelters fall short of expectations, Dec 28).
I recognise that they were built higher to cater to trucks and other tall vehicles such as buses and fire engines, in keeping with government guidelines.
I wonder, however, whether they may be too high and as a result provide inadequate shelter.
A look at the wet road surfaces beneath such high roofs after it rains will tell the story. Perhaps the raised roofs over such locations should be widened to ensure adequate pedestrian cover?
At my grandson's school in Bishan, the high roof extending from the side gate to the main building is of little help when it rains, and children get wet by the time they reach the building.
Ng Chor Chye
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#19
Parliament: About 1,000 people asked to return Sirs payouts after errors were found in their applications
Sirs provided self-employed people with three quarterly cash payouts of $3,000 each in May, July and October.ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Yuen Sin
5 JAN 2021
SINGAPORE - About 1,000 people have been asked to return their payouts from the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (Sirs), after it was found that there were erroneous declarations in their applications, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 5).
The number affected amounts to about 0.5 per cent of around 200,000 successful Sirs applications, with around $1.8 billion paid out to self-employed people between April and December last year.
"To be fair and consistent to all applicants, those with erroneous declarations have been approached to refund their Sirs payouts. Some have already done so, and we will reach out to the rest individually to give them time to do so," she said in response to a question from Workers' Party MP Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC).
Sirs is a Covid-19 assistance programme which provided self-employed people with three quarterly cash payouts of $3,000 each in May, July and October.
Mrs Teo said that Sirs, as with all other government schemes, is subject to financial audit. An external auditor appointed by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), which is in charge of administering the scheme, will be conducting the audit.
The Manpower Ministry also conducted its own audit, which is now still ongoing, before and after the final payout tranche was disbursed.
"For timely assistance to self-employed individuals, eligibility was assessed based on applicants' declarations of their employment income and number of properties owned. Those whose declarations met the eligibility criteria received payouts," she said.
While subsequent audits affirmed the eligibility of most successful applicants, a minority were found with erroneous declarations.
WP chief Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) asked if there were cases where the MOM or NTUC had approved applications even though the applicants fell outside the qualifying criteria, and subsequently clawed back payouts upon deciding later that the applications should not have been approved in the first place.
Mrs Teo said she had not come across such cases, though she believes there may have been a few of them. She also said that she did not have figures on this to share.
The minister added that the MOM and NTUC are aware that there were scams inviting people who were not the intended recipients of Sirs to apply. These cases have been referred to the police for investigation.
Asked by Mr Singh about the number of those cases, Mrs Teo said that she did not have the data on hand.
The MOM said in December last year that some self-employed Singaporeans had been sent letters asking them to return the Sirs payouts they received after audits found that they had erroneously declared their income or the number of properties they owned.
Some who received the letter have appealed to the ministry, claiming that they had not under-declared their income or property status.
Sirs was open to those who earn a net trade income of up to $100,000 and live in a property with an annual value of no more than $21,000. Applicants must not own more than one property.
Those who are renting can submit proof of their annual rental contract. They must also have started self-employment on or before March 25, 2020.
Parliament: About 1,000 people asked to return Sirs payouts after errors were found in their applications
Sirs provided self-employed people with three quarterly cash payouts of $3,000 each in May, July and October.ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Yuen Sin
5 JAN 2021
SINGAPORE - About 1,000 people have been asked to return their payouts from the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (Sirs), after it was found that there were erroneous declarations in their applications, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said in Parliament on Tuesday (Jan 5).
The number affected amounts to about 0.5 per cent of around 200,000 successful Sirs applications, with around $1.8 billion paid out to self-employed people between April and December last year.
"To be fair and consistent to all applicants, those with erroneous declarations have been approached to refund their Sirs payouts. Some have already done so, and we will reach out to the rest individually to give them time to do so," she said in response to a question from Workers' Party MP Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC).
Sirs is a Covid-19 assistance programme which provided self-employed people with three quarterly cash payouts of $3,000 each in May, July and October.
Mrs Teo said that Sirs, as with all other government schemes, is subject to financial audit. An external auditor appointed by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), which is in charge of administering the scheme, will be conducting the audit.
The Manpower Ministry also conducted its own audit, which is now still ongoing, before and after the final payout tranche was disbursed.
"For timely assistance to self-employed individuals, eligibility was assessed based on applicants' declarations of their employment income and number of properties owned. Those whose declarations met the eligibility criteria received payouts," she said.
While subsequent audits affirmed the eligibility of most successful applicants, a minority were found with erroneous declarations.
WP chief Pritam Singh (Aljunied GRC) asked if there were cases where the MOM or NTUC had approved applications even though the applicants fell outside the qualifying criteria, and subsequently clawed back payouts upon deciding later that the applications should not have been approved in the first place.
Mrs Teo said she had not come across such cases, though she believes there may have been a few of them. She also said that she did not have figures on this to share.
The minister added that the MOM and NTUC are aware that there were scams inviting people who were not the intended recipients of Sirs to apply. These cases have been referred to the police for investigation.
Asked by Mr Singh about the number of those cases, Mrs Teo said that she did not have the data on hand.
The MOM said in December last year that some self-employed Singaporeans had been sent letters asking them to return the Sirs payouts they received after audits found that they had erroneously declared their income or the number of properties they owned.
Some who received the letter have appealed to the ministry, claiming that they had not under-declared their income or property status.
Sirs was open to those who earn a net trade income of up to $100,000 and live in a property with an annual value of no more than $21,000. Applicants must not own more than one property.
Those who are renting can submit proof of their annual rental contract. They must also have started self-employment on or before March 25, 2020.
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#20
Forum: Leaking pipe still not fixed after a month
13 JAN 2021
On Dec 14 last year, I called national water agency PUB to report a leak in a water pipe at the junction of Pandan Avenue and Pandan Road.
An officer promised to send someone to the area to rectify the leak.
But up till now, the pipe is still leaking and nothing has been done to rectify it.
I hope PUB can act immediately and explain why nothing has been done to rectify the problem since I first reported the matter.
Abu Mansor
Forum: Leaking pipe still not fixed after a month
13 JAN 2021
On Dec 14 last year, I called national water agency PUB to report a leak in a water pipe at the junction of Pandan Avenue and Pandan Road.
An officer promised to send someone to the area to rectify the leak.
But up till now, the pipe is still leaking and nothing has been done to rectify it.
I hope PUB can act immediately and explain why nothing has been done to rectify the problem since I first reported the matter.
Abu Mansor
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#21
Forum: Desperately seeking Wi-Fi for work when outside the home
JAN 13, 2021
While I applaud the Government for its initiatives to promote digitalisation and for formulating safe measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it appears there is still a gap when it comes to the availability of facilities to support those initiatives.
I would like to share a recent experience to illustrate this.
In the past week, my home underwent renovation as part of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP).
While I appreciate that a rest-and-work area was set up nearby for us to use as we were not allowed to stay in our units amid the renovation works, I am baffled that the area did not have an Internet connection.
As most people are still encouraged to work from home because of the pandemic, the lack of Internet connectivity at such work stations is not helpful.
I went to the HIP office to inquire and was told that the application to Singtel for Wi-Fi services was not approved. The reason for this was not mentioned.
Then I went around the neighbourhood to look for a place that provides free Internet access. Fortunately, there are a few places, such as hawker centres, which provide free Wi-Fi under the Wireless@SG scheme. There were, however, no power outlets to be found.
When I went next to the library, I found that all the work desks were occupied. When I finally found an empty space at a table where there was someone else seated, I was told by the security staff that I was not allowed to sit there.
This was despite the fact that I had made sure the person and I were at least 1m apart and I had my mask on the entire time.
The next day, I went to the community centre. I asked if there was a workspace I could use, with a power outlet that I could connect my laptop to. I was directed to a desk with the only usable power outlet; the rest of the power outlets were locked.
On the third day, I made my way to the same desk at the same community centre. But I was told that I could not use that power outlet in case it caused a power trip. I did not understand how my work laptop could cause a power trip.
I then asked politely if there was any other space in the community centre with a usable power outlet, but was told that there was none.
It is disappointing that while we are moving towards being a Smart Nation, I encountered those inconveniences which could easily have been worked around.
I urge the relevant parties to look into these issues and hopefully improve these facilities soon.
Kevin Tong
Forum: Desperately seeking Wi-Fi for work when outside the home
JAN 13, 2021
While I applaud the Government for its initiatives to promote digitalisation and for formulating safe measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it appears there is still a gap when it comes to the availability of facilities to support those initiatives.
I would like to share a recent experience to illustrate this.
In the past week, my home underwent renovation as part of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP).
While I appreciate that a rest-and-work area was set up nearby for us to use as we were not allowed to stay in our units amid the renovation works, I am baffled that the area did not have an Internet connection.
As most people are still encouraged to work from home because of the pandemic, the lack of Internet connectivity at such work stations is not helpful.
I went to the HIP office to inquire and was told that the application to Singtel for Wi-Fi services was not approved. The reason for this was not mentioned.
Then I went around the neighbourhood to look for a place that provides free Internet access. Fortunately, there are a few places, such as hawker centres, which provide free Wi-Fi under the Wireless@SG scheme. There were, however, no power outlets to be found.
When I went next to the library, I found that all the work desks were occupied. When I finally found an empty space at a table where there was someone else seated, I was told by the security staff that I was not allowed to sit there.
This was despite the fact that I had made sure the person and I were at least 1m apart and I had my mask on the entire time.
The next day, I went to the community centre. I asked if there was a workspace I could use, with a power outlet that I could connect my laptop to. I was directed to a desk with the only usable power outlet; the rest of the power outlets were locked.
On the third day, I made my way to the same desk at the same community centre. But I was told that I could not use that power outlet in case it caused a power trip. I did not understand how my work laptop could cause a power trip.
I then asked politely if there was any other space in the community centre with a usable power outlet, but was told that there was none.
It is disappointing that while we are moving towards being a Smart Nation, I encountered those inconveniences which could easily have been worked around.
I urge the relevant parties to look into these issues and hopefully improve these facilities soon.
Kevin Tong
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#22
When the NEA forecasts heavy rains in December and January, and when ponding occurred, shouldn't the LTA have anticipated that more potholes will appear?
More potholes appearing on Singapore roads due to wet weather
Potholes along the Pan Island Expressway (left) and Tampines Avenue 5 reported on Jan 10, 2021. (Photos: Facebook/Zuraida Abdul Rahman Gulam)
By Aqil Haziq Mahmud@AqilHaziqCNA
15 Jan 2021
SINGAPORE: Ms Zuraida Abdul Rahman Gulam and her family were on the way home from a late dinner last Sunday evening (Jan 10) when they quite literally hit a bump in the road.
While driving in the left-most lane on the Pan Island Expressway towards Tuas, Ms Zuraida's husband ran into a pothole just before the Tampines exit. The thud and loud sound triggered an “intense” shock, Ms Zuraida said.
"It was a highway, and that made it even scarier to have hit something at that speed, with that kind of impact and noise," the 40-year-old cabin crew told CNA.
"If It wasn't for the car's dipping movement, it could have been mistaken for deadfall falling on top of the car."
Ms Zuraida said her two children sitting in the back were "stunned" and kept asking if they had hit something. By then it was drizzling, the roads were wet and there was more to come.
As her husband took the exit and approached the first left turn into Tampines Avenue 1, the road surface, which covered with puddles, became even more difficult to see. This was when he hit another pothole.
“I really thought my husband ran over a rock or fallen branch,” Ms Zuraida said of the second jolt. “We were thankful that we managed to reach home safely.”
Upon getting home, they saw that the front left tyre was punctured and the wheel rim dented and cracked.
Ms Zuraida’s husband took his father's car and returned to both potholes to take pictures, eager to see what could have caused such damage. One of the photographs show that the second pothole was big enough to fit an average-sized umbrella.
The size of the pothole along Tampines Avenue 5 relative to an umbrella. (Photo: Facebook/Zuraida Abdul Rahman Gulam)
WET WEATHER AND FORMATION OF POTHOLES
Ms Zuraida's account comes as Singapore is experiencing a spell of rainy weather since late last month due to monsoon surges in the region. The wet conditions contribute to the formation of potholes, civil engineers told CNA.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Friday (Jan 15) that the number of potholes detected in January so far is double the monthly average detected in 2020, attributing this spike to "prolonged wet weather" in the past few weeks.
Potholes in roads start as cracks on the road surface, which occur as part of normal wear and tear, the authority told CNA.
"These do not normally cause problems: Motorists are able to continue travelling safely, and LTA fixes these cracks as part of our regular inspection, maintenance and road resurfacing works regime," it said.
But with the prolonged heavy downpour in recent weeks, more water is seeping into these cracks, LTA said.
"The continuous movement of vehicles over the road pavement causes the water to seep further into the cracks, causing the cracks to widen," it explained. "In some cases, they become potholes."
These cracks expose the road's base layer of dense granite stones, transport engineering consultant Gopinath Menon said. The stones are "scattered by moving vehicles, resulting in holes on the road", he added.
The continuous pressure from vehicles further weaken the road's already damaged foundation, making the potholes "grow bigger and bigger", said Mr Rajan Krishnan, chief executive at construction firm KTC Group.
After running into two potholes, Ms Zuraida said they ended up spending S$700 to replace the tyre and all four wheel rims because they were only sold in a set, and it was near impossible to find a replacement rim with the same size, colour and specifications.
She has reported the incident to LTA.
“I’m really hoping that the LTA could and would compensate (for) the damage,” she added. “Everywhere, people are posting of similar incidents.”
A series of photos were posted on Facebook page ROADS.sg on Wednesday, showing potholes in different locations, from Sims Avenue to Shenton Way.
The post has drawn more than 1,900 shares and 700 comments, with some netizens saying they have spotted potholes in other areas and lamenting the current state of Singapore roads.
GrabFood delivery rider Mr Mar, 27, told CNA he hit a pothole last Saturday evening as he was sending his 15th order of the day to Pasir Ris amid a torrential downpour.
Mr Mar, who only wanted to be known by his first name, was riding along Tampines Avenue 7 near the former Tampines Junior College when he felt a "loud and sudden thud". He managed to steady his motorcycle and prevent it from skidding.
"The visibility was poor and the pothole was filled with water," he said, relieved that both he and his motorcycle escaped unscathed. "Luckily, nothing happened."
LTA said all reported road defects are typically rectified "as soon as possible".
"LTA will first temporarily patch the pothole for safety, and assess the road condition and arrange for a more permanent solution such as localised road resurfacing after the rainy season," it added.
HOW POTHOLES ARE FIXED
To fix the potholes, Mr Krishnan said workers must first cut up the asphalt surface and dig out the base to clean out all the water.
"Then they will put in a new base, compact the stones properly and seal it off again with asphalt," he said. "Small potholes can be fixed within a couple of hours."
Nevertheless, Mr Menon said this process is difficult to carry out during heavy rain.
Road maintenance crew attending to pothole at the junction of Paya Lebar Road and Sims Avenue on Jan 12, 2021. (Photos: CNA reader)
When asked if there was any way to prevent potholes from forming in the first place, Mr Krishnan said they are "sure to happen here and there" given that Singapore has thousands of kilometres of roads.
"There's no perfect situation anywhere," he said.
"The roads are subjected to heavy traffic load every hour of the day ... so even the smallest cracks can grow very fast especially during the rainy weather when there's water everywhere."
Despite that, Mr Menon said the quality of road surface materials and construction techniques have improved over the years, resulting in a more durable road surface.
"Potholes are rarely spotted on our roads and when they appear, road inspection teams ensure that potholes are patched up quickly," he said.
SLOW DOWN
With the recent wet weather, motorists should slow down in rainy conditions just in case they encounter potholes that have not been fixed, Singapore Road Safety Council chairman Bernard Tay said.
"There may be other potholes very near each other," he said, pointing out that visibility is already poor. "You cannot drive at the normal speed."
Mr Tay advised motorists to maintain their vehicles properly, including their windscreen wipers and tyres. Tyres with the wrong pressure could cause more damage when running into a pothole, he said.
As for motorcyclists, Mr Tay encouraged them to wait under a rain shelter or be "extra careful" as potholes are especially dangerous to their vehicles.
"If they suddenly go through it, it might imbalance the vehicle and cause them to fall on the road," he said. "You have to be alert on two wheels."
Reducing speed will also minimise any potential damage from going over potholes, he said, noting that not all insurance policies will cover the cost of resulting repairs.
Mr Tay encouraged drivers to report potholes to LTA so they can be patched up. "They can be a danger to anybody," he added.
LTA urged members of the public to report road defects via feedback channels like the LTA website, the Snap & Send function on the MyTransport.SG mobile application, or the Municipal Services Office’s OneService application.
"We would like to seek commuters and motorists’ understanding as we work with our contractors to expedite the repair works," the authority said.
"We would also like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to drive safely, particularly during the prevailing wet weather conditions."
When the NEA forecasts heavy rains in December and January, and when ponding occurred, shouldn't the LTA have anticipated that more potholes will appear?
More potholes appearing on Singapore roads due to wet weather
Potholes along the Pan Island Expressway (left) and Tampines Avenue 5 reported on Jan 10, 2021. (Photos: Facebook/Zuraida Abdul Rahman Gulam)
By Aqil Haziq Mahmud@AqilHaziqCNA
15 Jan 2021
SINGAPORE: Ms Zuraida Abdul Rahman Gulam and her family were on the way home from a late dinner last Sunday evening (Jan 10) when they quite literally hit a bump in the road.
While driving in the left-most lane on the Pan Island Expressway towards Tuas, Ms Zuraida's husband ran into a pothole just before the Tampines exit. The thud and loud sound triggered an “intense” shock, Ms Zuraida said.
"It was a highway, and that made it even scarier to have hit something at that speed, with that kind of impact and noise," the 40-year-old cabin crew told CNA.
"If It wasn't for the car's dipping movement, it could have been mistaken for deadfall falling on top of the car."
Ms Zuraida said her two children sitting in the back were "stunned" and kept asking if they had hit something. By then it was drizzling, the roads were wet and there was more to come.
As her husband took the exit and approached the first left turn into Tampines Avenue 1, the road surface, which covered with puddles, became even more difficult to see. This was when he hit another pothole.
“I really thought my husband ran over a rock or fallen branch,” Ms Zuraida said of the second jolt. “We were thankful that we managed to reach home safely.”
Upon getting home, they saw that the front left tyre was punctured and the wheel rim dented and cracked.
Ms Zuraida’s husband took his father's car and returned to both potholes to take pictures, eager to see what could have caused such damage. One of the photographs show that the second pothole was big enough to fit an average-sized umbrella.
The size of the pothole along Tampines Avenue 5 relative to an umbrella. (Photo: Facebook/Zuraida Abdul Rahman Gulam)
WET WEATHER AND FORMATION OF POTHOLES
Ms Zuraida's account comes as Singapore is experiencing a spell of rainy weather since late last month due to monsoon surges in the region. The wet conditions contribute to the formation of potholes, civil engineers told CNA.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Friday (Jan 15) that the number of potholes detected in January so far is double the monthly average detected in 2020, attributing this spike to "prolonged wet weather" in the past few weeks.
Potholes in roads start as cracks on the road surface, which occur as part of normal wear and tear, the authority told CNA.
"These do not normally cause problems: Motorists are able to continue travelling safely, and LTA fixes these cracks as part of our regular inspection, maintenance and road resurfacing works regime," it said.
But with the prolonged heavy downpour in recent weeks, more water is seeping into these cracks, LTA said.
"The continuous movement of vehicles over the road pavement causes the water to seep further into the cracks, causing the cracks to widen," it explained. "In some cases, they become potholes."
These cracks expose the road's base layer of dense granite stones, transport engineering consultant Gopinath Menon said. The stones are "scattered by moving vehicles, resulting in holes on the road", he added.
The continuous pressure from vehicles further weaken the road's already damaged foundation, making the potholes "grow bigger and bigger", said Mr Rajan Krishnan, chief executive at construction firm KTC Group.
After running into two potholes, Ms Zuraida said they ended up spending S$700 to replace the tyre and all four wheel rims because they were only sold in a set, and it was near impossible to find a replacement rim with the same size, colour and specifications.
She has reported the incident to LTA.
“I’m really hoping that the LTA could and would compensate (for) the damage,” she added. “Everywhere, people are posting of similar incidents.”
A series of photos were posted on Facebook page ROADS.sg on Wednesday, showing potholes in different locations, from Sims Avenue to Shenton Way.
The post has drawn more than 1,900 shares and 700 comments, with some netizens saying they have spotted potholes in other areas and lamenting the current state of Singapore roads.
GrabFood delivery rider Mr Mar, 27, told CNA he hit a pothole last Saturday evening as he was sending his 15th order of the day to Pasir Ris amid a torrential downpour.
Mr Mar, who only wanted to be known by his first name, was riding along Tampines Avenue 7 near the former Tampines Junior College when he felt a "loud and sudden thud". He managed to steady his motorcycle and prevent it from skidding.
"The visibility was poor and the pothole was filled with water," he said, relieved that both he and his motorcycle escaped unscathed. "Luckily, nothing happened."
LTA said all reported road defects are typically rectified "as soon as possible".
"LTA will first temporarily patch the pothole for safety, and assess the road condition and arrange for a more permanent solution such as localised road resurfacing after the rainy season," it added.
HOW POTHOLES ARE FIXED
To fix the potholes, Mr Krishnan said workers must first cut up the asphalt surface and dig out the base to clean out all the water.
"Then they will put in a new base, compact the stones properly and seal it off again with asphalt," he said. "Small potholes can be fixed within a couple of hours."
Nevertheless, Mr Menon said this process is difficult to carry out during heavy rain.
Road maintenance crew attending to pothole at the junction of Paya Lebar Road and Sims Avenue on Jan 12, 2021. (Photos: CNA reader)
When asked if there was any way to prevent potholes from forming in the first place, Mr Krishnan said they are "sure to happen here and there" given that Singapore has thousands of kilometres of roads.
"There's no perfect situation anywhere," he said.
"The roads are subjected to heavy traffic load every hour of the day ... so even the smallest cracks can grow very fast especially during the rainy weather when there's water everywhere."
Despite that, Mr Menon said the quality of road surface materials and construction techniques have improved over the years, resulting in a more durable road surface.
"Potholes are rarely spotted on our roads and when they appear, road inspection teams ensure that potholes are patched up quickly," he said.
SLOW DOWN
With the recent wet weather, motorists should slow down in rainy conditions just in case they encounter potholes that have not been fixed, Singapore Road Safety Council chairman Bernard Tay said.
"There may be other potholes very near each other," he said, pointing out that visibility is already poor. "You cannot drive at the normal speed."
Mr Tay advised motorists to maintain their vehicles properly, including their windscreen wipers and tyres. Tyres with the wrong pressure could cause more damage when running into a pothole, he said.
As for motorcyclists, Mr Tay encouraged them to wait under a rain shelter or be "extra careful" as potholes are especially dangerous to their vehicles.
"If they suddenly go through it, it might imbalance the vehicle and cause them to fall on the road," he said. "You have to be alert on two wheels."
Reducing speed will also minimise any potential damage from going over potholes, he said, noting that not all insurance policies will cover the cost of resulting repairs.
Mr Tay encouraged drivers to report potholes to LTA so they can be patched up. "They can be a danger to anybody," he added.
LTA urged members of the public to report road defects via feedback channels like the LTA website, the Snap & Send function on the MyTransport.SG mobile application, or the Municipal Services Office’s OneService application.
"We would like to seek commuters and motorists’ understanding as we work with our contractors to expedite the repair works," the authority said.
"We would also like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to drive safely, particularly during the prevailing wet weather conditions."
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#23
Forum: Ideas to improve road network and driving experience
20 JAN 2021
As a frequent road user, I commend the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for Singapore's excellent road network and infrastructure.
Looking at the newly completed highways, with more to come, gives me a sense that we can look forward to better days to come.
These are just some examples of the hard work put in by LTA engineers, staff and contractors in designing and building the efficient road network.
However, there is also a need to improve the following areas:
Using technology to improve traffic flow
For example, there are more than 10 traffic junctions within a short distance of 3km along Upper Serangoon Road from Upper Serangoon Crescent to Tampines Road.
Along Jurong East Avenue 1, there are also 10 traffic junctions (including signalised pedestrian crossings) between Jurong Town Hall Road and Corporation Road within a short distance of 2km.
This "stop-go-stop" traffic along these stretches not only results in inefficient fuel consumption in vehicles but also frustrates drivers.
Some years ago, efforts were made to generate a smooth flow of traffic by synchronising traffic lights, including signalised pedestrian crossings, for the green-wave effect.
In our drive towards a Smart Nation, the authorities can use technology to further control traffic flow to enhance the driving experience.
Minimising digging up of roads
It is sad to see that newly paved roads are often dug up again for laying service and utility cables. There seems to be a lack of coordination.
Last year, a stretch of road along Bukit Batok Street 11 was dug up three weeks after it was paved.
Improving material used for roads
Because of the recent wet weather, many potholes have appeared on Singapore roads (Sharp rise in number of potholes, Jan 16).
Motorists and motorcyclists are often seen taking evasive actions that are dangerous and can cause accidents.
It may be necessary to look into the quality of the asphalt used for our roads. Perhaps a better quality of asphalt or bitumen mix is needed.
Ong Pak Shoon
Forum: Ideas to improve road network and driving experience
20 JAN 2021
As a frequent road user, I commend the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for Singapore's excellent road network and infrastructure.
Looking at the newly completed highways, with more to come, gives me a sense that we can look forward to better days to come.
These are just some examples of the hard work put in by LTA engineers, staff and contractors in designing and building the efficient road network.
However, there is also a need to improve the following areas:
Using technology to improve traffic flow
For example, there are more than 10 traffic junctions within a short distance of 3km along Upper Serangoon Road from Upper Serangoon Crescent to Tampines Road.
Along Jurong East Avenue 1, there are also 10 traffic junctions (including signalised pedestrian crossings) between Jurong Town Hall Road and Corporation Road within a short distance of 2km.
This "stop-go-stop" traffic along these stretches not only results in inefficient fuel consumption in vehicles but also frustrates drivers.
Some years ago, efforts were made to generate a smooth flow of traffic by synchronising traffic lights, including signalised pedestrian crossings, for the green-wave effect.
In our drive towards a Smart Nation, the authorities can use technology to further control traffic flow to enhance the driving experience.
Minimising digging up of roads
It is sad to see that newly paved roads are often dug up again for laying service and utility cables. There seems to be a lack of coordination.
Last year, a stretch of road along Bukit Batok Street 11 was dug up three weeks after it was paved.
Improving material used for roads
Because of the recent wet weather, many potholes have appeared on Singapore roads (Sharp rise in number of potholes, Jan 16).
Motorists and motorcyclists are often seen taking evasive actions that are dangerous and can cause accidents.
It may be necessary to look into the quality of the asphalt used for our roads. Perhaps a better quality of asphalt or bitumen mix is needed.
Ong Pak Shoon
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#24
The weakest links: the safe entry enforcement and the diligence (or non-diligence) of the social distancing ambassadors
Forum: Overzealous businesses might have hindered contact tracing instead
20 JAN 2021
The rolling out of TraceTogether-only SafeEntry by some businesses before the official implementation, except for ongoing pilots, is a manifestation of overzealousness (Stores told to hold off TraceTogether only check-ins, Jan 16).
To be fair, all the shopping malls that I visited have allowed me entry by using TraceTogether or identification cards with barcodes.
My recent experiences at two eateries, however, revealed differences in the way entry was allowed through TraceTogether.
I carried the token without downloading the Trace Together app, but both these eateries did not have scanners to read the QR code on my token.
One eatery decided to give me access to its Wi-Fi, allowing me to scan the QR code on my phone before letting me in.
The other told me that the scanner had been ordered but had not arrived yet. However, I was allowed entry to the premises.
It defeats the whole purpose of contact tracing if one is granted entry without identity tracking.
I can understand that businesses want to stay on the right side of the law. However, they should not have been overenthusiastic if they were not ready to support TraceTogether QR code scanning.
I have also observed that when I enter a particular shopping mall at 9am to have my breakfast, nobody is around to man the SafeEntry counter until 10am. This loophole must be plugged before more people enter without proper clearance and endanger the safety and well-being of others.
Andrew Seow Chwee Guan
The weakest links: the safe entry enforcement and the diligence (or non-diligence) of the social distancing ambassadors
Forum: Overzealous businesses might have hindered contact tracing instead
20 JAN 2021
The rolling out of TraceTogether-only SafeEntry by some businesses before the official implementation, except for ongoing pilots, is a manifestation of overzealousness (Stores told to hold off TraceTogether only check-ins, Jan 16).
To be fair, all the shopping malls that I visited have allowed me entry by using TraceTogether or identification cards with barcodes.
My recent experiences at two eateries, however, revealed differences in the way entry was allowed through TraceTogether.
I carried the token without downloading the Trace Together app, but both these eateries did not have scanners to read the QR code on my token.
One eatery decided to give me access to its Wi-Fi, allowing me to scan the QR code on my phone before letting me in.
The other told me that the scanner had been ordered but had not arrived yet. However, I was allowed entry to the premises.
It defeats the whole purpose of contact tracing if one is granted entry without identity tracking.
I can understand that businesses want to stay on the right side of the law. However, they should not have been overenthusiastic if they were not ready to support TraceTogether QR code scanning.
I have also observed that when I enter a particular shopping mall at 9am to have my breakfast, nobody is around to man the SafeEntry counter until 10am. This loophole must be plugged before more people enter without proper clearance and endanger the safety and well-being of others.
Andrew Seow Chwee Guan
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2020
- Messages
- 12,918
- Points
- 113
you are the type of people that knows nothing more than supporting the system and follow whatever crap comes out from the govt. Empowered yourself and think independently. This virus saga is not as serious as what it needs to be treated as a pandemic. There is not even a need for any measures at all.
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2008
- Messages
- 12,534
- Points
- 113
#25
NPP kiosk not manned? How did the driver return the wallet? If it is meant to be manned, maybe the police officer went to drink kopi?
Forum: Lost wallet found and returned at police e-kiosk, but still unable to retrieve it
29 JAN 2021
I took a Grab ride on the morning of Jan 21 and, shortly after alighting, found that I had left my wallet behind. I called the driver, who confirmed that he had found it.
I was not able to make any arrangement with the driver as he was busy on the road.
When I called Grab in the afternoon, I was told that the driver had returned the wallet at a neighbourhood police post (NPP) self-help kiosk. I went to the NPP self-help kiosk the following day, but was not able to retrieve my wallet as it was not manned. I was given a hotline number instead.
I called the hotline repeatedly but the only response I have received so far is that the line is engaged. I left a message.
I have been calling the hotline and leaving a voice message every day. As at Wednesday, six days after I dropped my wallet, I have yet to receive any call.
I cannot understand how the lost and found department is operated. It's highly inconvenient to misplace one's wallet.
While I am thankful that it was found and returned, I am also frustrated that I have no way of retrieving it when I cannot reach the relevant department.
It would be great if something can be done to improve the efficiency of the system.
Ang Chee Peng
NPP kiosk not manned? How did the driver return the wallet? If it is meant to be manned, maybe the police officer went to drink kopi?
Forum: Lost wallet found and returned at police e-kiosk, but still unable to retrieve it
29 JAN 2021
I took a Grab ride on the morning of Jan 21 and, shortly after alighting, found that I had left my wallet behind. I called the driver, who confirmed that he had found it.
I was not able to make any arrangement with the driver as he was busy on the road.
When I called Grab in the afternoon, I was told that the driver had returned the wallet at a neighbourhood police post (NPP) self-help kiosk. I went to the NPP self-help kiosk the following day, but was not able to retrieve my wallet as it was not manned. I was given a hotline number instead.
I called the hotline repeatedly but the only response I have received so far is that the line is engaged. I left a message.
I have been calling the hotline and leaving a voice message every day. As at Wednesday, six days after I dropped my wallet, I have yet to receive any call.
I cannot understand how the lost and found department is operated. It's highly inconvenient to misplace one's wallet.
While I am thankful that it was found and returned, I am also frustrated that I have no way of retrieving it when I cannot reach the relevant department.
It would be great if something can be done to improve the efficiency of the system.
Ang Chee Peng
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