Progress of extending covered linkways to 800-metre radius of MRT stations
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport whether a status update can be provided on LTA's enhanced first and last mile connectivity plans to extend covered linkways to within an 800-metre radius of MRT stations including the current projected number of additional high and low covered linkways which will be built in the next five years under the expanded scope of the plans.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has built 186 kilometres of covered linkways since the launch of the Walk2Ride programme in 2013. This programme makes walking to key public transport nodes more convenient and comfortable by building covered linkways connecting public transport nodes to key amenities within a 400-metre radius.
In 2024, we announced plans to build covered linkways to Friendly Streets within an 800-metre radius of a MRT station. In the next five years, with new MRT stations and more Friendly Streets launched, LTA will build an additional 50 kilometres of covered linkways to enhance first and last mile connectivity.
Demand and expansion plans for single room shared facilities pilot project
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the total demand for the current Single Room Shared Facilities (SRSF) pilot; (b) whether the Government has plans to launch further SRSF sites in the next five years; and (c) what is the target number of beds to be made available under the SRSF model in the next five years.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Single Room Shared Facilities (SRSF) pilot is designed to improve the experience of singles under the Public Rental Scheme by providing them with more privacy while reducing the risk of social isolation. It is part of Housing and Development Board's (HDB) efforts to provide more public rental housing options for singles.
The SRSF model is being piloted at the former Anderson Junior College student hostel. Since the opening of applications to the SRSF in May 2024, HDB has received 1,100 applications, of which about half were assessed to be eligible and have been progressively moving in.
HDB is reviewing the SRSF pilot, including the study of other possible SRSF sites, and will share more details when the plans are ready. There is currently no target number of beds to provide under the SRSF model.
Long-term strategies to ensure healthcare cost containment and reduction of unnecessary medical tests
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Health (a) what long-term strategies is the Government implementing to ensure healthcare cost containment, beyond annual premium adjustments and fee controls; (b) whether Singapore has studied international best practices in medical cost control, especially where they relate to new medical technologies; and (c) how does the Government plan to balance medical innovation and patient outcomes with cost sustainability.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the extent to which unnecessary medical tests, procedures or prescription contribute to rising hospital bill sizes; (b) what measures are in place to prevent over-servicing by healthcare providers; and (c) whether patient cost-sharing mechanisms can be enhanced to deter excessive consumption of medical services.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Ministry of Health (MOH) outlined its key strategies to manage healthcare cost during the recent COS debate. These are widely regarded as international best practices.
To manage growth in cost of delivery, we implemented Health Technology Assessments to ensure that we fund and encourage the use of health technologies that are clinically- and cost-effective. With these efforts, we observed that drug spending growth in the public healthcare system has slowed from around 10% before FY2021 to 5% in FY2023.
We have also implemented a value-driven care programme throughout our public healthcare clusters, tracking and benchmarking quality and cost outcomes across common conditions and identifying areas for improvement. These ensure that what we spend on healthcare is commensurate with good health outcomes for Singaporeans.
Demand for healthcare will grow with an aging population. Through Healthier SG and Age Well SG, we are investing in population health to keep Singaporeans healthier for longer. We are transforming care to anchor care in communities as far as possible, instead of over-relying on acute hospitals.
We developed and publish fee benchmarks for close to 2200 common procedures and conditions to guide fee setting in the private healthcare sector. We also publish hospital bill size information across all hospitals and ward types to enable patients to make comparisons. Through a Claims Management Office that we set up in 2022, we have stepped-up monitoring and enforcement against inappropriate MediShield Life claims that may drive up costs and healthcare insurance premiums.
Finally, an important factor to manage costs is to ensure we maintain financial discipline in how we pay for healthcare. We try not to over-rely on only subsidy or insurance. Instead, through a combination of subsidy, MediShield Life and MediSave, and maintaining some co-payment from patients, we try to keep healthcare affordable. As a result, our national healthcare spending is under 5% of GDP as of 2022, which is significantly lower than the 10%-12% of other developed economies. This translates into a lower healthcare financial burden for Singaporeans.
Extending sport-in-precinct scheme to HDB estates managed by opposition town councils
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether SportSG will extend the Sport-in-Precinct scheme to HDB estates managed by opposition Town Councils; and (b) what is the typical budget allocated for each project.
Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: In allocating resources for sporting facilities, the Government aims to provide Singaporeans with convenient access to affordable public sports facilities so that they can enjoy sports as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, and for recreation. These include a variety of facilities from SportSG's 21 comprehensive sport centres with gyms and swimming pools spread across Singapore, to the People's Association's over 100 community centres or clubs across Singapore and numerous free-to-play sport spaces located conveniently in our housing estates. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Sport Singapore will also continue to work with the Ministry of Education to provide more access to sporting and recreational facilities on top of the current 393 operational facilities under the Dual Use Scheme, and collaborate with other agencies to meet the evolving needs of the community.
The Sport-in-Precinct (SIP) facilities is one of several types of sporting facilities for the public. Across Singapore, we currently have 10 completed SIP facilities including in Boon Lay, Sembawang and Sengkang. There are plans for the development of more SIP projects. We will announce the plans for these SIPs when the plans are firmed up.
Planning (including the siting) for public sport facilities, including SIP facilities, is done at the national level, considering a range of different factors. These include the nature of facilities already available, a site's proximity to other existing and upcoming locations of sports and recreational facilities, availability of suitable sites, town population size, and popularity of sports.
The cost of an SIP facility depends on several factors such as market conditions at the time of tender, and the size and type of facilities being built.
Reason for projected dwelling units figure being increased to 1.61 million in HDB 2023/2024 annual report
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development (a) on what basis is the figure for the projected ultimate dwelling units in the HDB Annual Report 2019/2020 increased to 1.61 million in the HDB 2023/2024 Annual Report; (b) what is the overall population size the Government anticipates in parallel with this increase in the number of projected ultimate dwelling units; and (c) based on the current URA Masterplan, what is the maximum number of projected ultimate dwelling units that can be accommodated across Singapore.
Mr Desmond Lee: The projected ultimate number of dwelling units in Housing and Development Board's (HDB) Annual Report is an estimate of the dwelling units that HDB towns can accommodate when fully developed. This figure is only a planning parameter and not a target to be reached. It is regularly updated as it is affected by several variables which can change over time. For example, in recent years, we have observed trends such as strong household formation rates and smaller household sizes contributing to strong broad-based housing demand. This has resulted in an increase in the estimated number of households in the Singapore population which are eligible to purchase public housing flats. Consequently, we have set aside more residential land within existing towns and new areas, such as Bayshore under Bedok town, and Ulu Pandan under Queenstown. As a result, since the 2019/2020 Annual Report, town boundaries were expanded, and the estimated number of ultimate residential dwelling units has increased.
In response to these housing demand trends, HDB has adjusted its housing mix and built more flats. This is unlike the proposal from the Workers' Party in 2019 that recommended HDB to cut back its building programme from around 16,000 to 17,000 dwelling units to around 9,000 dwelling units every year. Had we followed the recommendation, we would have faced a serious shortage of housing supply, longer waiting times and much higher prices for resale flats.
Corporate governance standards for family offices that seek tax incentives
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) what specific standards of corporate governance are imposed on Family Offices (FOs) seeking tax incentives under the fund tax incentive schemes for FOs; (b) whether MAS requires such entities to implement robust fraud prevention mechanisms, third-party audits, and whistle blower protections; (c) what percentage of these FOs have been subjected to intensive supervision or compliance review in the past three years; and (d) why are these FOs not required to undertake mandatory risk assessments for fraud vulnerabilities.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): Single Family Offices (SFO) manage only the family's own private wealth and do not handle third-party funds. It is for the family to establish the governance and controls needed and to hire the right people to manage their private wealth vehicle. They do not need to be regulated nor be subject to specific corporate governance standards beyond those which apply to all corporate entities, whether they receive tax incentives or otherwise. This approach is consistent with major financial centres worldwide. Our approach towards SFOs is focused on addressing money laundering risks. Imposing unnecessary regulations will increase compliance costs and undermine Singapore's position as a business and financial centre.
On the recent case of alleged misappropriation of funds by former employees of a Chinese family office, misappropriation of funds is a risk faced by all businesses and not unique to SFOs. All businesses should institute appropriate controls to guard against such risks. Where misappropriation of funds occur, Singapore's legal regime allows for recourse against such misconduct.
Singapore's contributions to continuation of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and impact of resumption of hostilities on flow of humanitarian aid
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) in view of the destruction of hospitals in Gaza caused by Israeli strikes after the recent resumption of hostilities, how effective will Singapore's medical support teams render assistance in situ; (b) whether Singapore can step up its medical assistance in any way; and (c) whether transporting Palestinian civilians who require more complex medical procedures to Singapore's medical facilities for treatment is a viable alternative.
Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he can provide an update on (i) recent discussions in ASEAN and the UN on the resumption of hostilities in Gaza and (ii) Singapore's efforts in multilateral fora towards a reduction or cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: My response will address questions raised by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong and Mr Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap; as well as questions set for written answer by Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin and Dr Wan Rizal. My response will also cover questions raised by Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Associate Professor Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim scheduled for subsequent sittings.
Singapore remains gravely concerned about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza which has resulted in a further loss of civilian life and internal displacement of the Palestinians. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened as aid has not been allowed in since 2 March 2025. Singapore has consistently called for all parties in the conflict to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and ensure that all civilians are kept out of harm's way. Civilian infrastructure including medical facilities, as well as medical workers, must be accorded due protection. We call on Israel to facilitate the resumption of critical life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. Such aid must not be used as a bargaining chip. We also call on Hamas to release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally. We urge all parties to resume negotiations and make progress towards a permanent ceasefire.
Singapore is committed to supporting international relief efforts for Gaza. While Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza are in place, we have continued to explore ways to provide humanitarian assistance with our partners in the Middle East. We will also look to contribute towards supporting post-conflict recovery efforts in partnership with the United Nations (UN) and others in the region. The needs in Gaza will be significant and Singapore will do our part to help.
Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen has stated in his speech at the Committee of Supply last month that the Singapore Armed Forces is also making plans to provide further medical assistance to the people in Gaza. We are assessing the possibility of such deployments in close coordination with our regional partners, taking into account the ground conditions, including safety. We have not received any requests on transporting Palestinian patients who may need more complex care to Singapore to-date, but such requests would have to be carefully assessed, taking into account the relevant medical risk factors especially those associated with long distance transport of patients needing complex care, and treatment options.
Both the Israelis and Palestinians are well aware of our longstanding position that the only viable path for achieving a comprehensive, just, and durable solution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Our positions on the need to adhere to international law, including international humanitarian law, the need to refrain from unilateral actions which hinder or delay progress on a peace process, and the need to ensure the protection of civilians, are also clear. We will continue to vote in support of relevant UN General Assembly resolutions that are consistent with our principled positions. At the same time, we need to be circumspect and recognise our limitations in influencing the outcome of this war and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It falls ultimately on the leaders on both sides to find the political will, courage and imagination to resume negotiations to resolving this longstanding conflict, difficult as it may be.
In our region, ASEAN Member States have been aligned on the core issues. Specifically, ASEAN has consistently supported the call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, immediate release of hostages, provision of humanitarian assistance and a negotiated two-state solution. Earlier this year, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers issued a statement reaffirming our longstanding support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their homeland.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in touch with the Mercy Relief team that visited the West Bank in March 2025. They are professionals with long experience operating and implementing humanitarian assistance projects in challenging environments. I commend them for their efforts to help Palestinians on behalf of Singapore.
Singaporeans have responded to the Gaza conflict with a deep sense of empathy and compassion. I thank Singaporeans for contributing to humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza. We encourage everyone to continue supporting local fundraising efforts by reputable organisations such as the Singapore Red Cross and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation, which have extensive experience in working with a wide network of credible and reliable partners to effectively deliver critical aid on the ground. Donors can check via the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth's Charity Portal if the fund-raiser is a registered charity in Singapore; and possesses a valid fundraising permit for foreign charitable purposes from the Commissioner of Charities.
Safeguarding non-partisan nature of NMP scheme and proposal for cooling-off period before NMPs run for elected office
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance with regard to the Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme (a) whether there are plans to further safeguard public confidence in its non-partisan nature; and (b) whether the Government will consider a cooling-off period before NMPs can run for elected office, especially on a partisan platform.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Prime Minister): The Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) scheme was introduced in 1990 to enhance the quality of parliamentary debate by bringing in non-partisan and independent voices into Parliament, particularly with expertise and experience from various sectors of society.
Safeguards are in place to ensure the non-partisan nature of the NMP scheme. For example, the Special Select Committee on Nominations for Appointment as NMPs, which considers the potential candidates put forth by the public for nomination as NMPs, comprises MPs from both the ruling and opposition parties. The Constitution of the Republic of Singapore also expressly requires an NMP to vacate his seat if he stands as a candidate for any political party in an election.
I believe that many members of this House would agree that our NMPs have, over the years, enriched our debates in Parliament and that they have been non-partisan in their conduct, even as they participate actively in the parliamentary process.
The Government currently has no plan to review the NMP scheme.
Determining number of lifts for an HDB block
Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for National Development what are the considerations to determine the number of lifts serving a HDB residential block of flats.
Mr Desmond Lee: At the development stage, the Housing Development Board determines the number of lifts to be provided in a residential block based on several factors, such as the number and type of dwelling units, the block layout and the number of storeys. The objective is to ensure that there are sufficient lifts to meet residents' needs in terms of lift access and reasonable waiting times, while balancing cost-effectiveness and efficient use of space. The lift provision also needs to comply with other regulatory requirements such as fire safety.
First-time HDB flat applicants who are ineligible for enhanced CPF housing grant and deferred income assessment scheme
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB tracks how many couples applying for their first HDB flat are ineligible for both the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant and the deferred income assessment scheme because one partner has not worked continuously for 12 months and the other is not in full-time studies or National Service; and (b) what targeted assistance is provided for such couples.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Government is committed to keeping public housing affordable and accessible for Singaporeans. Eligible first-timers (FTs) can receive an Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) of up to $120,000 when they buy a new or resale flat. To help young couples who want to settle down earlier, the Deferred Income Assessment (DIA) scheme allows eligible couples to apply for a new flat first and defer their income assessment for the EHG and the Housing Development Board (HDB) housing loan nearer to key collection, when their incomes are more stable, and likely higher.
In 2024, fewer than 200 FT households, where at least one party was aged 30 and below, did not qualify for both (i) the EHG as they did not meet the continuous employment condition, and (ii) the DIA, but HDB does not track the reasons for disqualification as requested by the Member. They formed fewer than 2% of all FT couples in this age group.
We expect the number of young households who do not qualify for these schemes to decrease. From the July 2025 sales exercise, we will expand the DIA scheme to require only one party of a couple to be a full-time student or National Serviceman, or have recently been one, instead of both of them.
We understand that each young couple's life journey is unique and we will continue to review our policies to support their housing aspirations.
Preschools' procedures in reporting suspected child abuse and preventing withdrawal of suspected victims by parents
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) in ECDA's oversight and monitoring of preschools for signs of neglect and abuse in children, what measures are in place to ensure staff report suspected child abuse directly to the authorities regardless of internal escalation protocols; and (b) what additional training and support can be provided to ensure staff can confidently identify and act on early warning signs.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether licensees must follow up or alert the authorities in suspected cases of child abuse under the ECDA Code of Practice on mandatory reporting of child abuse, when a child is subsequently or suddenly withdrawn from school, particularly in cases where there may have been concerns about the child's well-being; and (b) whether training requirements are updated to ensure that staff are equipped to identify signs of abuse and are aware of their legal obligations to report such cases.
Minimum occupation period for individuals who buy over ex-spouses' share of HDB flat
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether all HDB leaseholders who purchase a part-share of their flat from their ex-spouse in accordance with the terms of a divorce judgment are automatically subject to a new five-year minimum occupation period (MOP); (b) if so, what is the rationale for this policy; (c) in each of the last five years, how many requests have been made to waive such new MOP period; and (d) how many of these requests have been granted.
Mr Desmond Lee: Divorcees who choose to take over their ex-spouse's share of the flat can do so through in two ways:
(a) a change in flat ownership not through a sale, commonly referred to as a "transfer of flat";
(b) resale of part-share in the flat.
Resales of part-share are done for many reasons. While some are due to unfortunate circumstances such as divorce, there are also transactions done for commercial reasons, for example, when one of the co-owners under the Joint Singles Scheme sells his or her share of the flat to an unrelated third party. As such, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) treats all resale of part-share no differently from a typical resale transaction. This includes subjecting the remaining owners and any incoming owners to a fresh Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), which starts from the day the transaction is legally completed.
However, HDB waives the need to serve a fresh MOP for majority of resale of part-share cases due to divorce. From 2020 to 2024, on a case-by-case basis, HDB approved MOP waivers for about 30 such cases. HDB does not track the total number of such appeals received.
Projected cost per tonne of carbon dioxide abated through carbon capture and storage in Singapore
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what is the projected cost per tonne of carbon dioxide (CO₂) abated through carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Singapore, including infrastructure, operational and transport costs; (b) how does this compare to the projected cost of transporting and storing CO₂ in Indonesia under the proposed bilateral arrangement; and (c) how do these costs compare to alternative decarbonisation strategies such as renewables and energy efficiency.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an internationally recognised decarbonisation pathway, especially for activities that produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) as part of their industrial processes. The Government is studying the feasibility of a cross-border CCS project from Singapore. This includes working with potential service providers to form a complete CCS value chain, and getting clearer estimates of the costs of capture, transport and permanent storage.
Formal body to protect interests of and provide dispute resolution assistance to micro and small enterprises
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Government will consider establishing a formal body or mechanism to (i) protect the interests of micro and small enterprises and (ii) mediate or provide advice to assist micro and small enterprises on any potential disputes with larger suppliers such as e-commerce platforms.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: There are established mechanisms for enterprises, including micro and small enterprises, to resolve commercial disputes. For disputes involving claims of up to $30,000, enterprises can submit their disputes through the Small Claims Tribunals which provide a quicker and less expensive process compared to a civil trial. Enterprises can also seek mediation and adjudication services provided by mediation bodies such as the Singapore Mediation Centre.
Singapore citizens born to foreign mothers of different residential status
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Home Affairs for the past two years, how many Singapore citizens were born in Singapore to foreign mothers who were (i) Permanent Residents (ii) holders of the Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (iii) holders of the Long-Term Visit Pass and (iv) of other immigration statuses, respectively.
Mr K Shanmugam: Based on data of Singapore citizens born in Singapore in 2023 and 2024 to foreign mothers, an annual average of 3,525 (72%) of the foreign mothers were Permanent Residents, 725 (15%) held a Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus, 414 (8%) held a Long-Term Visit Pass, and the remaining 245 (5%) held other passes, including employment passes, at the point of the child's birth.
Timeline between discovery of corporate misappropriation and securing of asset freezing orders
(Implication on dissipation of assets)
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Law (a) what is the average duration between discovery of corporate misappropriation exceeding $5 million and the securing of worldwide freezing orders; (b) whether the Government is concerned that the current civil procedure timeline allows sophisticated actors to dissipate assets; (c) what specific measures have been implemented to expedite ex-parte freezing applications involving cross-border transactions; and (d) whether the Ministry will introduce legislative amendments to lower the evidentiary threshold for proprietary injunctions in cases involving prima facie financial fraud.
Mr K Shanmugam: The question relates to civil disputes, usually between two commercial parties. The Courts have the power to grant injunctions prohibiting the disposal of assets, also referred to as freezing orders or Mareva injunctions. The Courts have described it as one of the law's "nuclear" weapons. The Government does not track the statistics on the average duration to secure a freezing order. These are within the remit of the Courts.
The grant of freezing orders is the subject of extensive and established case law developed over several decades in Singapore and elsewhere. As with many aspects of civil procedure, the case law has been developed by the Courts based on commercial needs and also takes reference from international jurisprudence.
The current civil procedure framework allows applicants to obtain an injunction ex parte, and quickly in urgent cases. The ability to obtain an order to freeze a party's assets around the world, based on limited evidence, can be abused. The Courts have developed a framework, including requiring appropriate evidence, before such freezing orders are given, to try and reduce the scope for abuse. An abuse of the process can have serious implications on legitimate businesses. Hence, the Courts seek to strike the right balance between providing for expediency in obtaining the order and ensuring that the Court is satisfied that such an order should be given -- the Court has to be satisfied that there is basis for such an order to be given and with suitable safeguards in place. This is reflected in the law and procedural rules developed by the Courts in Singapore and across many jurisdictions.
While the current civil procedure framework does provide a process for parties to obtain a freezing order quickly, it may still be possible for unscrupulous persons to try and spirit assets away either before or even after a freezing order has been given. This is due to the differences in the laws of different countries, the nature of assets (which may vary and be in different places) and difficulties that applicants may have in establishing where a party's assets may be.
Implicit in the Member's question is the suggestion that the evidentiary threshold for obtaining such orders should be lowered. The Member can perhaps explain which aspects of the evidentiary threshold should be lowered, and why he thinks the current balance the Courts have arrived at are wrong -- so that we can better consider his suggestion. In any such exercise, it must be borne in mind that lowering the threshold may also widen the scope for abuse by applicants. This can cause legitimate businesses to be unable to access their assets (local and overseas) and payments until the order can be set aside.
ComCare short-to-medium term assistance households with per capita income above $800
Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for each year from 2022 to 2024, how many ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance households have a per capita income of above $800.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: From 2022 to 2024, the number of ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA) households with per capita income above $800 were: 1,689 households in 2022; 1,372 households in 2023; and 1,328 households in 2024. These households account for around 6% of the total number of households receiving SMTA each year.
The Per Capita Household Income benchmark indicates the approximate income level at which households in need could qualify for SMTA but is not meant to be a criterion. Eligibility for SMTA is based on a holistic assessment by Social Service Offices. For example, a family with household per capita income above the benchmark but having specific needs such as assistive devices and educational materials for children can still be granted the SMTA.
[Note(s) to Question No(s) 27: In July 2023, the Ministry of Social and Family Development raised ComCare SMTA's per capita income benchmark from $650 to $800; this came into effect on 17 July 2023.]
Data on Warees Halal Limited's annual revenue, expenses and income
Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) whether the Ministry has data on Warees Halal Limited's yearly (i) revenue (ii) expenses and (iii) income from 2020 to 2024; and (b) whether Warees Halal Limited's yearly income is being set aside as reserves, placed into Baitulmal or other channels for community uses.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The audited annual financial statements of Warees Halal Limited, which is a Company Limited by Guarantee, are publicly available and can be purchased from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority's website.
The treatment of any surplus is governed by its Board of Directors, which decides on the allocation to the company's reserves. The reserves may be used for purposes such as meeting contingency needs, reinvestment in the company's operations, and donations in support of welfare and charitable causes, provided that such donations are consistent with the company's objectives and comply with any applicable legal requirements.
Reasons for withdrawal or cancellation of Asatizah Recognition Scheme applications, and profile of Asatizahs in Singapore
Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) to date, how many applications under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) have been withdrawn or cancelled since the scheme was established; (b) what are the reasons for such cancellations; (c) whether the Ministry has data on the number of Asatizahs under the ARS that are (i) Sunni and (ii) Shia Muslims respectively; and (d) if so, how many.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Since the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS) was made mandatory in January 2017, 36 asatizah have had their ARS certifications cancelled by the Asatizah Recognition Board. These were due to contraventions of the ARS Code of Ethics, such as ethical misconduct or doctrinal issues.
The majority of our asatizah are Sunni Muslims. There are asatizah who are Shia Muslims, and they serve the needs of the Shia community in Singapore.
Alleged breaches of advertising controls in healthcare services act
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health since the implementation of the relevant provisions of the Healthcare Services Act (a) how many reports of alleged breaches of the advertising controls under the Act have been received by the Ministry; (b) of these, how many have been referred to the relevant authorities for further action including prosecution; and (c) what percentage of these are for practitioners in the mental health space.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Advertising controls under the Healthcare Services Act 2020 (HCSA) came into force on 26 June 2023 for non-HCSA licensed healthcare service providers and non-registered healthcare professionals. The advertising controls imposes restrictions on them from advertising treatment of diseases or medical conditions.
The restrictions include the use of the title "Doctor" by non-registered healthcare professionals in healthcare advertisements. This requirement is not new and was largely ported over from Section 4 of the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1955.
The Ministry of Health has received and investigated 34 complaints of alleged breaches of the advertising controls, and none were against practitioners in the mental health space.
Complaints about clinical services provided by mental health professionals
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health (a) since 2022, how many complaints have been received by the Ministry about the clinical services provided by mental health professionals; (b) what are the main concerns reported; and (c) what steps will be taken to educate the public on avenues for advice and support should they have issues about services rendered by mental health professionals.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Since 2022, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has received less than 20 complaints regarding clinical services provided by mental health professionals. These complaints were mainly about quality of care, professional standards and clinical competency.
Members of the public who wish to provide feedback on the services or conduct of mental health professionals may do so via the respective professional boards or associations. These include the Singapore Medical Council, the Singapore Nursing Board, and the Allied Health Professions Council under MOH for occupational therapists, as well as the Social Work Accreditation and Advisory Board under the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
In addition, the Healthcare Services Act regulates the provision of mental health services under licensable healthcare service providers to safeguard patient safety and welfare. The public may also provide feedback on such services to MOH.
Number of HDB resale transactions excluded from HDB's public InfoWEB and data.gov.sg platforms and reasons for exclusion
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development (a) in each of the last five years, what is the number of HDB resale transactions that were excluded from HDB's public InfoWEB and data.gov.sg platforms; (b) why were these transactions excluded; and (c) why were 127 resale transactions of SERS replacement flats with less than five years' occupancy between April 2022 and December 2024 excluded from the HDB's public InfoWEB and data.gov.sg platforms when these same transactions were included in the Resale Price Index calculations.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale flat transactions are conducted on a willing-buyer willing-seller basis and reflect prevailing market conditions. HDB publishes relevant resale data for transparency, to minimise information asymmetry and enable the efficient functioning of the resale market.
Data on the prices of individual resale transactions is published on the HDB InfoWEB and data.gov.sg. This is meant to assist buyers and sellers to make informed decisions when negotiating resale flat prices. Therefore, resale transactions that do not reflect typical market transactions are not published, as they are less relevant in helping buyers and sellers in price negotiations.
From 2020 to 2024, about one to two thousand transactions a year were not published, out of about 25,000 to 31,000 resale transactions registered annually, or 4% to 6%. These include the 127 transactions involving the resale of Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) replacement flats mentioned by the Member. These SERS replacement flats have longer remaining leases compared to typical resale flats, making them less relevant as a reference for price negotiations. Other atypical transactions, such as the resale of part-share and resale between related parties, are also not published.
The computation of HDB's Resale Price Index (RPI) uses a hedonic regression methodology that controls for variations in the remaining leases of the flats that were transacted. Therefore, there is no need to exclude the SERS replacement flats that had longer remaining leases compared to typical resale flats.
Jobseekers assisted by WSG who secured employment through direct job-matching and KPIs for evaluating effectiveness of career coaches
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what percentage of the 56,000 jobseekers placed by Workforce Singapore (WSG) in 2024 secured employment through direct job-matching efforts facilitated by WSG and its partners, as opposed to finding their jobs independently; (b) what proportion of job seekers assisted by WSG or its partners secure employment within six months of receiving career-matching services; and (c) what specific key performance indicators does WSG use to evaluate the effectiveness of career coaches in helping job seekers secure job placements.
Dr Tan See Leng: The 56,000 jobseekers secured employment in 2024 after benefitting from Workforce Singapore's (WSG's) programmes and services. WSG and/or its partners as well as the jobseekers' own efforts contributed to the successful outcome of securing employment.
Among jobseekers who received career matching services from WSG and its partners in 2023, about six in 10 secured employment within six months. This is a key performance indicator used by WSG to evaluate the effectiveness of its career matching services in helping jobseekers to secure jobs.
Monitoring noise levels along LRT tracks and building noise barriers to alleviate disruptions to residents
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether LTA monitors the noise level of LRT track maintenance along all LRT systems; (b) if so, whether LTA will share the average noise level during maintenance operations; and (c) whether LTA will consider building noise barriers, whether permanent or temporary, to alleviate any disruptive noise levels during LRT maintenance periods.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether LTA monitors the noise level of LRT travelling along all LRT systems; (b) if so, whether LTA will share the average noise level for passing trains; and (c) whether LTA will consider building permanent noise barriers to alleviate disruptive noise from passing LRT trains on nearby residential blocks.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: Our Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems are designed to operate closer to residential developments. LRT trains run on rubber tyres along concrete guideways, and hence produce less noise compared to Mass Rapid Transit trains. The noise generated by LRT trains passing near residential estates is within the National Environment Agency's (NEA's) guidelines.
For temporary LRT maintenance works, including works being carried out overnight during engineering hours, the Land Transport Authority will put in place the necessary noise mitigation measures, such as noise blankets, to keep the noise levels within NEA's guidelines.
Progress of lift installation for four pedestrian overhead bridges along Hougang Avenue 3
Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Transport (a) which precisely are the four pedestrian overhead bridges along Hougang Avenue 3 that the Ministry had in 2023 indicated will be given priority for the installation of passenger lifts; and (b) whether there is an update on the time frame for the installation works.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The pedestrian overhead bridges (POBs) along Hougang Avenue 3 near Blocks 101, 172, 241 and 248 have been prioritised for lift retrofitting under the current phase of the Land Transport Authority's lift retrofitting programme, which focuses on locations that will benefit a larger number of seniors. Construction works for this phase of lift retrofitting works are scheduled to take place progressively from the fourth quarter of 2025.
