Download ninth parliament of singapore - National Archives of Singapore

ELEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF SINGAPORE
(FIRST SESSION)
_________________
QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FRIDAY, 15 FEBRUARY 2008
20
113
ROAD HOGGING
1.
Mr Siew Kum Hong: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for
Home Affairs how many cases of road hogging were there in each of the last five years.
Mr Wong Kan Seng:
The number of summonses issued for breaches of Rule 5 of the Road
Traffic Rules in each of the last 5 years is set out in the table below:
Number of Road Hogging Cases from 2003 to 2007
Year
No. summons issued
2003
848
2004
773
2005
440
2006
456
2007
658
Road hogging is proscribed under Rule 5 of the Road Traffic Rules, which
states that (a) every vehicle which is moving at a slow rate of speed shall be driven as close
to the left-hand side of the roadway as possible, and (b) every vehicle shall at all times be
driven in such manner as not to obstruct vehicles moving at a faster speed. Breach of that
Rule is an offence under Section 131 of the Road Traffic Act, which attracts a maximum
penalty of a $1,000 fine or 3 months’ imprisonment for the first offence, and a $2,000 fine
or 6 months’ imprisonment for a second or subsequent offence. Where a person is
convicted of the offence, four demerit points will also be awarded under the Driver
Improvement Points System.
20
114
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PUBLIC RENTAL SCHEME
2.
Mr Baey Yam Keng: To ask the Minister for National Development (a)
what is the number of rental flats available under the Public Rental Scheme each year over
the last 10 years; (b) what is the number of eligible applicants for public rental flats each
year over the last 10 years; (c) what is the average number of public rental flat tenants per
year who do not renew their leases for the last 10 years and their main reasons for not doing
so; and (d) in addition to the 2,194 new rental flats announced recently, what plans does the
Ministry have to address the increasing demand for public rental flats.
Mr Mah Bow Tan:
The number of rental flats available under the Public Rental Scheme
decreased from 4,600 in 1998 to 1,070 in 2007. This is due in part to the low turnover of
tenants. From 1998 to 2007, the number of flats returned to HDB dropped from 4,700 in
1998 to 1,600 in 2007. The flats were returned to HDB mainly because the tenants had
purchased homeownership flats, passed away or infringed tenancy conditions.
The number of eligible applicants for public rental flats has increased from
about 2,300 per year (before 2003) to 4,700 in 2007. The increase is due mainly to the
raising of the income ceiling for applicants from $800 to $1,500 in 2003. There has also
been an increase in the number of divorcees, elderly households and second-timer
households (i.e. those who have previously enjoyed housing subsidy through purchase of
HDB flats) applying for rental flats in recent years.
To address the increasing demand for rental flats, HDB has adopted a twopronged approach:
a. Increase Supply. HDB has earlier announced plans to provide an
additional 2,200 new rental flats. It will continue to review the rental flat supply to meet
the housing needs of low-income families without other housing options.
b. Manage demand. Even as we increase the supply of rental flats, we
cannot provide a rental flat for every person who wants it. Given the heavy subsidy
involved, demand for HDB rental flats will invariably exceed the supply. HDB will
therefore be reviewing the Public Rental Scheme eligibility criteria to ensure that our
heavily subsidised rental flats are targeted at those who are genuinely poor and without
other housing options. More details will be announced when ready.
20
115
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT
3.
Mr Siew Kum Hong: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry for each
of the last 15 years up to and including 2007 (a) what was Singapore’s Gross National
Product; (b) what was the percentage of wages as a component of Gross Domestic Product
and Gross National Product; and (c) what were the proportions of wages going to Singapore
residents and non-residents respectively.
Mr Lim Hng Kiang:
(a) Singapore’s Gross National Income (GNI)
As Gross National Product, or GNP, is essentially the net income accruing
to a country from both domestic and overseas economic activities, we can also refer to it as
Gross National Income or GNI. From 1993 to 2007, GNI grew at a compounded annual
growth rate of 6.7%. As a result, GNI in 2007 was S$235 billion, about 2.5 times the level
of S$94 billion in 1993. [Figure 1]
Figure 1: Nominal Gross National Income, 1993-2007
Billion Dollars
240
235
220
202
200
181
171
180
159
160
148
132
140
123
110
120
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
80
94
1993
100
158
152 154
142 143
Source: Department of Statistics
(b) Percentage of wages as a component of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
and Gross National Income (GNI)
Wages as a component of GDP
Wages as a component of GDP has been fairly stable, averaging 43% in the
period 1993-2007. Wage share of GDP tends to be slightly higher during periods of slower
economic growth, for example during 1998-2003. This is because profits tend to fall faster
than wages during periods of economic slump. The wage share of GDP in 2007 was 41%.
[Figure 2]
20
116
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Figure 2: Compensation of Employees as a share of GDP, 1993-2007
%
60
55
50
47
45
42
42
42
41
2006
2007
42
46
43
2005
42
44
2004
42
1997
42
1996
45 43
1995
45
40
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1994
30
1993
35
Source: Department of Statistics
Wages as a component of GNI
We do not publish statistics on wages as a component of GNI 1 .
(c) Proportion of wages going to Singapore residents and non-residents
There are no available statistics on the resident and non-resident share of
wages. While data is available on the numbers of Singapore resident and non-resident
workers, employee compensation is not broken down by Singapore resident and nonresident workers.
1
“Wage share of GNI” is not a commonly published statistic. GNI is defined as GDP plus net factor
income from abroad (FIFA). FIFA comprises largely investment income, the estimates of which are
derived from our Surveys on Overseas Investment and other administrative data sources. In addition,
there is also a wage component in FIFA, which should be taken into account if we consider a wageto-GNI ratio. Such a ratio would be sensitive to changes in investment income to/from abroad.
20
117
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CIVIL SERVANTS
(Pensions/Retirement Benefits)
4.
Ms Sylvia Lim: To ask the Minister for Defence (a) how many former civil
servants are currently receiving pensions below $300 per month; and (b) what other
retirement benefits are they entitled to.
Mr Teo Chee Hean:
As at 10 Jan 2008, there were 827 Civil Service resident pensioners
receiving gross monthly pensions of below $300. Civil Service pensioners also receive
post-retirement medical benefits. Eligible dependants of Civil Service pensioners, such as
the wife of a male pensioner and children below 18 years of age, also receive medical
benefits.
20
118
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
(Carbon Emissions/Recycling)
5.
Dr Fatimah Lateef: To ask the Minister for the Environment and Water
Resources (a) what is our total carbon emissions for the last 3 years; and (b) have our
national efforts such as the promotion of recycling and energy efficient products, useful
harnessing of natural gas and regular energy audits made any difference in reducing our
carbon footprint.
Assoc Prof Dr Yaacob Ibrahim:
Singapore’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were
39.6 megatonnes (Mt), 40.4Mt and 41.6Mt respectively. This accounts for less than 0.2% of
global CO2 emissions. The relatively low CO2 emission growth (5% from 2004 to 2006)
compared to our economic growth (15% from 2004 to 2006) came about through a
conscious effort to improve our energy efficiency and switch to less carbon-intensive energy
sources. As a result, our carbon intensity (CO2 emissions per dollar GDP) has improved
from 0.28 kt/$m in 1990, to 0.22 kt/$m in 2004 and to 0.20 kt/$m in 2006, a 30%
improvement from the 1990 level.
Energy efficiency reduces our CO2 emissions, improves our economic
competitiveness and enhances our energy security. NEA has launched the “Energy Efficient
Singapore” (E2 Singapore) plan to improve the energy efficiency in five key sectors: power
generation, industry, buildings, transport and households. The Energy Efficiency
Programme Office (E2PO), chaired by NEA and comprising members from EMA, EDB,
LTA, BCA and A*STAR, will continue to develop and refine the E2 Singapore plan.
Some measures are already in place. The proportion of electricity generated by
natural gas-fired combined cycle generation technology, the most energy efficient
technology currently available, grew from 19% in 2000 to 78% in 2006, leading to an
estimated CO2 emission reduction of 4,700kt2 . As of 28 Jan 2008, some 87 companies have
obtained grants under the Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme which cofunds energy audits. When implemented, the recommended energy efficiency measures
could lead to annual energy savings of almost 300,000 MWh (or about $23 million), and a
CO2 emission reduction of 150kt per year.
In the transport sector, the Green Vehicle Rebate (GVR) promotes cleaner and
more fuel-efficient vehicles. Since the GVR was revised in Dec 2005, the number of hybrid
and compressed natural gas vehicles registered in Singapore has increased from about 140
to more than 1,500 by end 2007. In the buildings sector, BCA introduced the Green Mark
scheme in 2005 to encourage more energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings.
NEA has also introduced the Energy Smart scheme for office buildings and hotels.
To promote energy efficiency among households, mandatory energy labelling was
introduced this year for household refrigerators and air-conditioners. The energy labels
allow consumers to factor in the potential energy cost savings they will enjoy by buying
more energy efficient appliances.
Recycling can also reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and landfill space
needed. The recycling of aluminium and other metals can reduce energy consumption by as
much as 95%, while the recycling of glass, paper, steel and plastics can reduce energy
consumption by 30 to 70%. Singapore’s overall recycling rate has increased over the years,
to about 54% today.
2
Reduction in CO2 emissions in 2006, compared to if the fuel mix remained at the 2000 levels.
20
119
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In spite of these achievements, there is a need for more concerted long-term energy
efficiency policies. We do not expect further significant energy intensity improvements
through increased power generation efficiency or a major shift of our economy towards
service industries. Market signals are sometimes too weak to promote energy saving
practices even though the latter may be cost-effective over the project life cycle. This may
be due to misaligned incentives and higher upfront costs. In addition, many do not realise
the potential of energy efficiency and conservation. Practices such as overcooling and
poorly-designed industrial facilities are still common.
As part of the E2 Singapore plan, my Ministry, together with E2PO, will implement
new measures to address these gaps. More details will be given at the coming Committee of
Supply.
20
120
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ARREARS INCURRED BY RESTRUCTURED HOSPITALS
6.
Dr Fatimah Lateef: To ask the Minister for Health (a) what is the average
total arrears incurred by restructured hospitals annually over the last 2 years; and (b) on
average, how much of these does the Ministry have to write-off, and whether they are
usually related to financial difficulties, regular attendees with social problems or other
causes.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan:
The vast majority (more than 96%) of restructured hospital patients settle
their bills promptly, within 2 months of discharge. Over the past two years (2005 and 2006),
hospital arrears that exceeded 2 months averaged about $73 million per year.
The hospitals provide various forms of financial assistance for patients who
have difficulties paying their medical bills, including payment through installments. Those
who are needy are assisted through Medifund.
Some arrears become bad debts after many repeated attempts to recover
them and have to be written off. Not all such cases are due to financial difficulty as
hospitals have schemes to assist the needy. Some are foreign workers involved in industrial
accidents. Some are employees of companies, some of which have wound up. As bad debts
are eventually borne by Singaporeans, the hospitals do their best to minimize them.
In 2006, the write-offs amounted to $11 million.
ELDERSHIELD SUPPLEMENTS
7.
Dr Fatimah Lateef: To ask the Minister for Health following the
implementation of ElderShield Supplements (a) how many more eligible Singaporeans have
signed up; and (b) how much will it cost the Government in terms of expected payout.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan:
The ElderShield severe disability insurance scheme underwent two major
changes in October 2007. First, the basic ElderShield was upgraded to provide a higher
payout from $300 to $400 per month and a longer maximum payout period from 5 to 6
years. Second, ElderShield policyholders who prefer additional severe disability coverage
can now purchase ElderShield Supplements, on top of the basic ElderShield.
Basic ElderShield and its Supplements are insurance schemes run by three
private insurers (namely Aviva, Great Eastern Life and NTUC Income). They are
actuarially- and commercially-structured and have to be fully funded by the premiums paid
by the policyholders.
As at end-Dec 2007, there were about 790,000 ElderShield policyholders.
38,000 policyholders upgraded from the former basic ElderShield to the new basic
ElderShield. There are 9 ElderShield Supplements and thus far, 14,000 policyholders have
bought additional coverage through these Supplements.
20
121
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PERSONS RELEASED FROM JUVENILE HOMES
8.
Ms Sylvia Lim: To ask the Minister for Community Development, Youth
and Sports (a) for each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006, what is the proportion of children
and young persons released from The Singapore Boys’ Home and Singapore Girls’ Home
who have continued their studies in public sector schools or educational institutions; and (b)
for each of the years 2003, 2004 and 2005, what is the rate of children and young persons
released from these institutions who have become repeat offenders within two years of their
release.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan:
For the years 2004 - 2006, an average of 69.9% of the residents who were
discharged from the juvenile homes continued their studies in educational or vocational
schools. Those who did not continue with their education upon release were employed,
waiting for enlistment into National Service, or had not yet decided whether to continue
studying or find employment.
For each cohort of juvenile offenders who completed their Orders and were
released from the Homes in 2003 and 2004, 38.5% of them re-offended within the two years
of their release. The recidivism rate is not available yet for those released in 2005.
The Singapore Boys’ Home and Singapore Girls’ Home provide
rehabilitation for young offenders. The rehabilitation programmes are three-pronged.
Firstly, we provide specialized treatment programmes that target specific offending
behaviours. Secondly, offenders attend educational, vocational and life skills training to
prepare them for the future. Thirdly, we work closely with the offenders’ families to
improve their family relationship. The primary aim is to reintegrate these offenders into the
community to lead productive lives.
20
122
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------LTA RULES AND REGULATIONS
(SUVs/HID Headlamps)
9.
Mr Siew Kum Hong: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) if he will
provide an update on the review by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on requiring sports
utility vehicles (SUVs) fitted with high intensity discharge headlamps to incorporate safety
features such as the automatic levelling feature; and (b) if the LTA is going to introduce
such rules, whether they will retrospectively apply to SUVs already in use.
Mr Raymond Lim Siang Keat:
The LTA has completed its review on requiring an automatic levelling
feature on vehicles fitted with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. In its review,
LTA has consulted the motor industry.
LTA will require all vehicles fitted with HID headlamps that are registered
from 1 Jan 2010 to be equipped with the automatic levelling feature. This new requirement
will not be applied retrospectively to in-use vehicles with HID headlamps as it would
require extensive modifications to the vehicle’s headlamp system.
______________
Office of the Clerk of Parliament
Singapore, 15 February 2008