EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION
Leon Perera queried enforcement powers for addressing discriminatory employment practices relating to personal attributes other than nationality.
Teo Ser Luck said MOM investigates complaints about race, language, family status and works with TAFEP. MOM may revoke work pass privileges of employers who discriminate against age or maternity.
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HDB COMMUNITY SPACES
Leon Perera queried whether selected HDB community spaces can be rented out to private property owners who live nearby for the purpose of funerals, subject to reasonable limits on usage and higher payments.
Lawrence Wong said that exceptions may be allowed while taking into consideration residents’ needs; applicants can approach TC directly.
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PUBLIC LIBRARY IN SIMEI
Leon Perera asked if there are plans to build a library at or near Eastpoint to serve the residents of Simei and Changi.
Yaacob Ibrahim said there are no plans as Tampines and Pasir Ris libraries are nearby. Instead, there may be community-driven reading corners set up.
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HAWKER CENTRE EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Leon Perera questioned the measures taken by NEA to ensure better odour control, smoke and grease reduction (e.g. carbon filters) in hawker centres in residential areas.
Masagos Zulkifli replied that only 4 hawker centres are fitted with carbon filters in their exhaust system. If there are issues with the exhaust system, NEA will work with TC to rectify appropriately.
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USE OF CAREGIVERS TRAINING GRANT
Daniel Goh asked how much specialised caregivers receive on average and whether the MOH will consider increasing the grant quantum for specialised caregivers.
Gan Kim Yong replied that the average annual utilisation by these caregivers was $116 per grant recipient in FY2015 and there are currently no plans to increase the grant quantum.
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ROAD SAFETY IN PRIVATE ESTATES
Leon Perera asked about the criteria used to determine the implementation of additional road safety tools and what initiatives are taken to promote traffic safety in private estates.
Khaw Boon Wan cited “accident risk” and “tendency to speed” as the criteria for implementation; LTA and Traffic Police work together to promote road safety.
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LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF EXCAVATED ARTEFACTS
Daniel Goh asked about the documentation, reporting, ownership, storage, and protection of heritage artefacts excavated in the last five years.
Grace Fu replied that materials unearthed on State Land belong to the State. Agencies conducting excavation submit reports to NHB. The Heritage Conservation Centre and partner agencies document and conserve artefacts.
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EARLY CPF WITHDRAWAL
Daniel Goh queried the definition of “severely impacted life expectancy” that allows early CPF withdrawal on medical grounds, and if it is aligned with insurance definitions.
Lim Swee Say replied that those with terminal illness, permanent incapacitation, unsoundness of mind, and severely impaired life expectancy are eligible for early withdrawal. This differs from insurance standards and there is no list of conditions.
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FIRE SAFETY PROVISIONS FOR COFFEESHOPS
Daniel Goh asked for the number of fires in coffeeshops in HDB residential blocks, and if specific fire safety provisions were in place e.g. mandatory installation of sprinklers.
K Shanmugam said there were 33 such fires in the last 3 years. Such coffeeshops come under the Fire Safety Act, which require ventilation for smoke dispersion, fire resistant walls, and kitchens with fire extinguishing systems.
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FENCING UP OF OPEN FIELDS
Daniel Goh asked if the fencing up of fields managed by the PA is done in consultation with residents, their utilisation rates, and if the fields can be opened without the need for booking on weekdays and off-peak periods.
Chan Chun Sing said residents work with GROs to determine the need to fence up a field on safety, security, noise, and maintenance concerns. Utilisation tends to be higher on weekends and school holidays. Residents can book fields through GROs.
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