Parliamentary speeches and more

Chairman, as part of Singapore’s net-zero goal, Singapore aims to reduce land transport emissions and the electrification of vehicles is one of the key initiatives to help Singapore achieve this target. 

Chairman, research and small scale testing of AVs for use on urban roads in Singapore has been going on since at least 2013, with one of the earliest research and trials on the roads in one-north in partnership with MIT’s nuTonomy. 

In 2004, the HDB introduced the façade repairs co-payment scheme where HDB would fund façade related repairs and reimburse Town Councils for repair works done to damaged façades of HDB blocks. This was increased to 75% for blocks with brick cladding and some metal fixtures under a special enhancement programme that runs from 2023 to 2028 for blocks with a higher risk of façade failure.

Sir, I filed my cut on 19 February and before the Minister's public comments of 23 February on how the MND intends to manage the crow population. As his comments set out the broad direction forward, I will make a narrow point about culling. NParks have been helpful to Town Councils, assisting in the removal of nests and with the installation of temporary traps to manage the crow population.

Members of the House would have come across many young Singaporean couples looking forward to starting a family and buying their first HDB flat but for one reason of another are unable to do so or are unable to secure a flat of their choice. For some, they are unable to do so arising from the income ceiling imposed by HDB, currently set at $14,000 for a couple looking for a BTO flat, with $16,000 set as the ceiling for executive condominiums. While the HDB resale market does not impose any income ceiling, Singaporeans in general, and young families in particular remain concerned about lease decay, retirement adequacy and in many cases, missing out on the taxpayer subsidies that come with BTO purchases.

HDB’s mission is stated as providing affordable, quality housing and a great living environment where communities thrive. That mission has become increasingly complicated, as Singaporean households take on different structures and HDB needs to assess how to apportion tax-payer subsidies and grants in a myriad of different situations. Some form families later in life, others prioritise multi-generational caregiving, all while following life and career paths that are not always linear.

The Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) was launched by HDB in 2001 to provide residents with lift access to every floor. In this year’s COS, I am asking once again for same-floor lift access for all residents.

During my Adjournment Motion in January, I spoke about the urgent need to rethink our approach to green preservation. In response, the Minister of State characterized the Serangoon River Forest site as a former landfill with regenerated vegetation and comprising of ( I quote) "young, exotic-dominated secondary forest, scrubland, grassland and ponds" (unquote).

While I acknowledge the encouraging 50% reduction in pigeon population across the pilot town councils, I must emphasize the urgency of this issue. Pigeons are not merely a nuisance, they pose genuine health risks. Their droppings carry dangerous diseases such as Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis, and Psittacosis. When dried droppings turn to dust, residents inhale contaminated particles that can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly affecting our elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

Chairman, the price of ECs in Singapore has skyrocketed in the past 10 years. ECs started out as a more affordable option for young couples who desire to purchase a private condominium but do not have the means to do so. Understandably, the price per square foot for an EC will be higher than a resale HDB flat. But I would argue that the prices today have become too expensive to service their original intention.