Parliamentary Q&A for November 2019 Sitting

SOURCES OF CARBON EMISSIONS IN SINGAPORE

Leon Perera asked about the carbon footprint generated by Singapore’s waste incineration process, and if measures such as carbon capture and sequestration or bottom ash carbonation were in place or being considered.

Amy Khor replied that municipal solid waste incineration was 3% of Singapore’s total 52.5m tonnes of CO2-equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2017. The Government currently did not have plans to incorporate carbon capture and sequestration in the processes, but was closely monitoring global developments in this area especially on the maturity of the technology and costs/benefits for application in Singapore.

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MEASURES TO REDUCE UNCLAIMED CPF MONIES

Sylvia Lim asked if there was a “trigger point” on the disbursement of CP monies for instances of the death of the CPF member overseas, possibly any inter-governmental procedure for such situations.

Josephine Teo shared that for overseas deaths, apart from the relevant missions and agencies, usually the deceased’s next-of-kin would notify the CPF Board, and thus trigger the payouts accordingly.

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MEASURES TO REDUCE UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG PMETS

Noting the rising unemployment among PMETs, Leon Perera asked what were the causes and what reduction measures were being considered.

Josephine Teo replied that unemployment among PMETs fell from 3.1% in 2016 to 2.9% in 2018, with over 28,000 PMET job vacancies as at June 2019. For vulnerable segments like mature PMET jobseekers, agencies were closely monitoring the situation, with programmes like Adapt & Grow, Career Support Programme, and the Professional Conversion Programmes to support jobseekers.

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PROPORTION OF KINDERGARTENS OPERATED BY PRIVATE PROVIDERS AND AUTONOMOUS OPERATORS OFFERING BEFORE AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE

Leon Perera requested for information on the proportion of kindergartens by private providers and by autonomous operators for before-and-after school care, and if there were any regulatory impediments for private kindergarten operators offering before and after school care programmes.

Desmond Lee replied that kindergartens were licensed to provide half-day education programmes of six hours or less per session, and as the requirements were for half-day education services only, kindergartens cannot provide care services for pre-school-aged children. Centres that wished to provide such before or after preschool care services can do so if they are licensed as childcare centres.

Pre-schools may provide before and after school care (BASC) services during their operating hours for older children aged seven to below 14 years. However, to date ECDA has not received applications from kindergartens to run BASC services during their operating hours.

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FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT BEFORE DECISION ON ALIGNMENT OPTION FOR CROSS ISLAND MRT LINE

Dennis Tan asked if there would be a final environmental impact (EIA) study on the holistic impact of the Cross Island MRT Line prior to the decision on either of the two existing alignment options.

Janil Puthucheary replied that in conducting the EIA, LTA had worked with stakeholders with regards to both alignments, and feedback obtained from the discussions had developed LTA’s comprehensive set of measures to mitigate the potential impact during the construction and operation of the CRL. As such, the Government had no plans for a further EIA.

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EFFORTS MADE TO RETURN UNCLAIMED CPF MONIES TO FAMILY MEMBERS

Noting the more than $200 million in unclaimed CPF monies, Daniel Goh asked whether all efforts had been undertaken to ensure return of that monies, and if paperwork could be further simplified to help family members apply for claims.

In his reply, Edwin Tong said that for un-nominated CPF monies, the Public Trustee’s Office would oversee the disbursement to legally entitled beneficiaries. This included contact individuals with known interest in the un-nominated CPF monies. The PTO has managed to distribute about 88% of the un-nominated CPF monies it received from CPF Board over the last five years. And as at end 2018, unclaimed un-nominated CPF monies made up $132 million of the $211 million in unclaimed monies held by the PTO.

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MORE MEASURES TO STEP UP PMD SAFETY

In light of the continuing serious PMD-related casualties, Dennis Tan asked if a review of the viability of PMD use in Singapore was underway, as well as possible new measures to ensure the safe use of PMDs, and mandatory saferiding certification and disqualification rights.

He also asked about measures to deter the sale and supply of non-compliant PMDs in Singapore by online suppliers, and if Singapore Customs have been asked to detect and prevent imports of non-compliant PMDs.

Lam Pin Min replied that despite Government and community efforts, there were still errant riders using non-compliant devices and who rode dangerously, and rising number of accidents involving motorised PMDs. Accordingly, a ban on the use of e-scooters from all footpaths, would be effective from 5 November 2019 with an advisory period until 31 December 2019 before carrying out strict enforcement. Those with mobility challenges who ride personal mobility aids like motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as bicycles would be exempt from the ban.

On the controlling the sale of non-UL2272 certified devices, LTA was considering raising the penalties, and was studying upstream measures, including import controls, to stem the inflow of non-compliant PMDs into Singapore.

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USE OF POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION ACCOUNT (PSEA) MONIES FOR STUDIES AT PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

Sylvia Lim asked if the Government would review the use of the Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) for withdrawals for tertiary studies at private universities.

Chee Hong Tat said the use of PSEA was broadened in 2016 to include approved courses for skills development at subsidised cost as part of continuing education and training policy. Quality and relevance remained key considerations whether a programme can qualify for PSEA usage. And if there were suitable courses by private training providers that could achieve good employment outcomes, the Government could consider it.

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ENHANCING PRACTICES AND REGULATIONS FOR FUNERAL SERVICE SECTOR

On the funeral services industry, Dennis Tan asked how the National Environment Agency (NEA) was working with professionals to ensure best care for the departed, whether there had been a recent consultation with the industry to enhance regulations and practices, and whether a legislative and regulatory framework for the industry was in the works.

Masagos Zulkifli replied that NEA regulates funeral parlours, to ensure that facilities meet specific public health requirements, including periodic inspections of funeral parlour premises and regular engagements with the funeral services industry after-death services issues. In August this year, NEA engaged funeral directors and funeral parlour operators for views on how the provision of after-death services could be enhanced.

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INCOME PER CAPITA CRITERION FOR PRE-SCHOOL SUBSIDIES FOR ALL FAMILIES

Daniel Goh asked why income per capita was not used to assess qualification of pre-school subsidies for all families, rather than just for families of five members or more.

Desmond Lee shared that for larger families with more dependants, total household income may not capture their financial means. For families of five or larger and with three or more dependants, income assessment was on a per capita basis. Due to the subsidy tiers, per capita income assessment may not be advantageous for smaller households.

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SUBSIDY ON TREATED WATER SUPPLIED TO MALAYSIA

On Singapore’s water imports from Malaysia, Png Eng Huat asked if the Government tracked our subsidies to Malaysia each year, and if so, what was the estimated amount since tracking.

Masagos Zulkifli stated that the exact water subsidies varied over time as cost had increased over the past 20 years due to factors such as the higher cost of materials and energy. He was however unable to share the amount of subsidies that had been provided over time.

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AVERAGE WAITING TIMES FOR APPOINTMENTS FOR SUBSIDISED MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY AND COUNSELLING AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Daniel Goh asked for information on the average waiting times and time ranges for patients who sought appointments for subsidised mental health therapy and counselling at public hospitals.

Gan Kim Yong said that between 2017 and 2018, overall median waiting time for new subsidised psychiatrist appointments across public hospitals ranged from 24 to 27 days, with urgent attention with earlier appointments for patients with more severe conditions.

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CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTING GIBRALTAR CRESCENT SITE AS SINGAPORE’S FIRST DEMENTIA CARE VILLAGE

On Gibraltar Crescent’s selection for Singapore’s first dementia care village, Leon Perera sought considerations for that decision noting the requirement for state bungalows to remain intact, and the costs of retrofitting for elder-friendly conditions.

Gan Kim Yong said that the Gibraltar Crescent dementia care village was a pilot for new community and housing models for seniors with dementia to age, with a model of care that was less medicalised and promoted independence and autonomy. Due to land scarcity, the Gibraltar site was shortlisted for the pilot, though the use of bungalows at the site was in line with heritage use and conservation guideline. Retrofitting would be allowed based on guidelines of Additions & Alterations, and prospective tenderers would bear the cost of retrofits and account for such in their bids.

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REQUIREMENT FOR TEMASEK AND GIC TO OBSERVE POLICY OF ROTATING ENGAGEMENT PARTNERS OF THEIR EXTERNAL AUDITORS

Leon Perera asked if Temasek and GIC observed a policy of rotating the engagement partners of their external auditors after a certain number of years.

Heng Swee Keat said that as an investment holding company, Temasek Holdings was audited by commercial auditors with an audit engagement rotation policy every five years. GIC which manages the Government’s assets, was audited by the Auditor-General, an Organ of State.

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TRACKING OF DELIVERY RIDERS USING PMDS TO CARRY OUT THEIR DELIVERY

Dennis Tan asked if food delivery rides using PMDs were currently being tracked, and if not, when the Government intended to track such numbers.

Khaw Boon Wan replied that the Government did not track numbers for food delivery riders as they could work for more than one company. Most food deliveries were done by motorcycles and delivery vehicles, with less than 30% of Deliveroo and FoodPanda’s riders using e-scooters.

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DETERRENT MEASURES TO ENSURE INTEGRATED RESORTS DO NOT REPEAT SAME OFFENCES

In light of the increases in fines on RWS and MBS last year, Dennis Tan asked what deterrent measures had been or would be taken, and whether the current punishments were sufficiently deterrent.

K Shanmugam shared that the increases in fines were due to lapses on customer due diligence and social safeguard breaches by the operators. Both operators have since enhanced processes including system enhancements to automate checks. The Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) had also given guidelines to prevent and detect lapses, and conducted unannounced spot checks and inspections. CRA would continue to monitor the situation.

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CPF MEMBERS USING UP ANNUAL LIMIT OF FLEXI-MEDISAVE SCHEME

Pritam Singh asked if the Government could increase the withdrawal limits via Flexi-MediSave in a tiered system, notably to benefit those with sufficient Basic Healthcare Sum balances but require an additional few hundreds.

Edwin Tong said that the Government would look into the issue, though differentiated ceilings for people would present other challenges. There are other available schemes to help those who reached or maxed out their Flexi-MediSave withdrawal limits.

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USE OF MEDISAVE SAVINGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY AND COUNSELLING TREATMENT AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Daniel Goh sought clarifications on the use of MediSave savings for mental health therapy and counselling at public hospitals.

Gan Kim Yong replied that subsidies were available for mental health therapy and counselling at public healthcare institutions. Currently, patients with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety could withdraw up to $500 from MediSave annually. Those above 60 may withdraw an additional $200 via Flexi-MediSave. For inpatient care, MediShield Life coverage was available for hospitalization bills, and support remain available for those in need.

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TRACKING OF OVER-PRESCRIPTION OF MEDICINE AND GUIDELINES FOR PRESCRIPTION QUANTITIES

Daniel Goh asked if the Government was tracking over-prescription of medicines with risks of cost inflation and wastage, and if there were guidelines for prescription quantities.

Gan Kim Yong said that the Government did not track medication over-prescription. There were however measures such as controlling the supply of medication (normally set at no more than three months’ for normal medication and no more than six months’ for more stable chronic illnesses); medication reconciliation by public healthcare hospitals prior to patients’ discharge; and regular public education events to encourage patients not to over collect medications

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ANNOUNCED GOVERNMENT BUDGET FOR UPGRADING OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ESTATES OVER NEXT FEW YEARS

Noting the recent $1 billion upgrading fund for estates, Sylvia Lim asked how much would be allocated for improvements in private housing estates, and how that fund would be fairly and equitably allocated.

In his reply, Lawrence Wong shared that estate selection under the Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP), an estate’s age and physical conditions were evaluated. Estates with greater upgrading needs were prioritised, such as older estates requiring parks or playground upgrading, and barrier-free access.

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REVIEW OF OPERATION OF REINSTATEMENT CLAUSES FOR HDB COMMERCIAL LEASES

Leon Perera asked if there would be a review of the operation of reinstatement clauses in HDB commercial leases for cost-sharing between outbound and inbound tenants, with a view to better utilise existing structures and reduce associated costs.

Lawrence Wong stated that outgoing HDB tenants had to reinstate premises before returning them, to help incoming tenants take up residence quickly. Outgoing tenants can retain fixtures and fittings in good and tenantable condition for use by the next tenant, as approved by authorities. Fixtures and fittings would typically include floor tiles, power points, and toilet fittings and fixtures.

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AMOUNT OF SUBSIDIES GIVEN TO ANCHOR OPERATORS OF CHILDCARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTEN IN PAST FIVE YEARS

On childcare centres and kindergartens’ renovation costs subsidies, Png Eng Huat asked how much anchor operators have received over the past five years, and which were the top three grant recipients.

Desmond Lee stated that due to variations in the sizes of Anchor Operators, the amount of Government grants per child was a more meaningful indicator. Of which in 2018, each Singaporean child enrolled in an Anchor Operator centre received about $6000 in grants, with the highest grant per child provided for children in MY World Preschool, E-Bridge Preschool, and Skool4Kidz.

Read the full exchange here.