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I hope this move can aid in having more enforcement check, nail down violators to the Fire Safety Act and Fire Code, and indirectly saving more lives. SCDF can appoint third parties to conduct checks under proposed changes to Fire Safety Act SINGAPORE: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) can soon appoint authorised third parties to conduct routine fire safety enforcement checks and building inspections under proposed amendments to the Fire Safety Act introduced in Parliament on Monday (Jul 8). The move will enable SCDF to better utilise its resources and allow officers to focus on "more complex" enforcement inspections, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a press release. In order to regulate their operations, these third parties will be required to don body-worn cameras during inspections. They will also be subject to routine checks by the SCDF. Under the new amendments, the SCDF will also be able to compel building owners to install critical fire safety upgrades, such as fire alarm systems and fire hose reels, if they are deemed necessary for public safety. The SCDF regularly reviews the fire code, which specifies fire safety standards for buildings. However, changes to the code only apply to new buildings, and to existing ones that undergo addition and alteration works. There are currently no measures to mandate owners of existing buildings which have not undergone any addition and alteration works to install the latest fire safety measures. "In exercising this mandate, SCDF will adopt a judicious, risk-based approach in identifying buildings for fire safety upgrades," said MHA. "For example, relevant considerations include the buildings’ fire risk profile, based on factors such as building age, purpose and the profile of its occupants." STRICTER REGULATIONS There will also be harsher penalties for five offences under the Fire Safety Act. These offences mainly involve the unauthorised change of use of premises which could cause the existing fire safety measures to become inadequate, as well as instances where industry professionals such as registered inspectors do not responsibly supervise and certify fire safety works. The penalty for the unauthorised change of use of premises will be raised from a maximum fine of S$10,000 to S$200,000 and/or up to two years’ jail. The penalty for the failure of an appointed Qualified Person to supervise fire safety works will also be raised from a maximum fine of S$10,000 and six months’ jail, to a maximum fine of S$200,000 and/or up to two years’ jail. In addition, SCDF’s enforcement and investigative powers will be enhanced to hold responsible those who flout fire safety rules. Currently, when dealing with fire hazards, SCDF must first issue a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice and can only take action against the errant parties if they fail to comply with the Notice. But as some fire hazards may pose "serious and significant" fire safety risks, SCDF will have the option to immediately prosecute culpable parties. Its officers will also be able to investigate suspects for fire safety violations, and take statements when there is reasonable suspicion of an offence. The Bill will also allow SCDF officers to enter any premises that may have evidence of fire safety offences. Said MHA: "While the number of fire incidents in Singapore has remained stable and our fire fatality rates are low, we must periodically review and update our fire safety regulations, so that they continue to remain robust and relevant, and we can effectively respond to new and evolving fire safety risks and challenges."

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/social-inequality-lack-of-diversity-png-eng-huat-parliament-10239986 I really think it might work, secondary school admission based on each primary school highest performing students. I thought it is a brilliant out of the box thinking

http://news.xin.msn.com/en/singapore/amendments-to-road-traffic-bill-proposed-in-parliament SINGAPORE: Multitasking drivers beware - under a new bill proposed in Parliament on Monday (Aug 4), it may soon be an offence to use any communicative function of your phone while driving. This includes not just calling and texting a person which were an offence in the original bill, but surfing the internet and downloading material. Drivers guilty of such an offence may be fined a maximum of S$1,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders will receive a fine not exceeding S$2,000, imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both. The new rules would apply to tablet computers, not just mobile phones. However, the proposed law only applies if the driver is holding the device in at least one hand, and does not cover the use of such devices while driving, should they be mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of vehicles. Drivers Channel NewsAsia spoke to were in favour of the changes, but felt that it should be further expanded. "If you're playing with your phone regardless whether you're talking on the phone or searching for something, it's still very hazardous. Like me, I don't touch my phone while driving. I just put it aside," one driver shared. "I can just have it mounted and still type on the phone. It defeats the whole purpose of having the law in the first place," noted another. "It's just like looking at your GPS - you'll lose concentration. So I think it's best to totally not use it," concluded another driver. Other proposed changes to the bill include allowing drivers to attend a voluntary corrective training course called the Safe Driving Course. Drivers who have half or more of their maximum allowable demerit points will get to remove three demerit points should they pass the Course. Foreigners holding work passes who need to drive as part of their job must also obtain a local driving licence, within six months of the pass being issued. Drivers will also be held responsible for providing particulars to the owner of any vehicle or structure damaged, following an accident. - CNA/kk

what would you do? Will you say no and get hammered in public?

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/proposed-more-monetary/1116040.html SINGAPORE: National Servicemen could receive more monetary rewards as part of a new NS HOME (Housing, Medical and Education) Awards, should proposals raised by the Committee to Strengthen National Service be accepted by the Government. The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) recommended disbursing S$2,000 extra, in Medisave grants, at each of the three “milestones” an NSmen reaches, under the proposed NS HOME Awards, which will replace the existing National Service Recognition Award (NSRA). Currently, the NSRA pays S$3,000 each, when one completes fulltime NS, is at the mid-point of the Operationally-Ready NS Training Cycle, and upon completion of his NS obligations. With the exception of the first payout, which goes into an NSman’s Post-Secondary Education Account, the other two disbursements are split among the Ordinary, Medisave and Special accounts. Under the proposed new award, the first tranche of S$3,000 will still go into an NSman's Post-Secondary Education Account. The S$3,000 at the second and third milestones will go only into the Ordinary Account, while the extra S$2,000 for each milestone will go into the Medisave Account. This is one of a raft of recommendations the CSNS has submitted for the Government’s consideration on Thursday. The timeline for the various proposed changes to kick in depends on when they get accepted by the Government. The recommendations were made after an extensive public consultation exercise lasting about a year. It engaged more than 40,000 people who are stakeholders of National Service (NS). Apart from NSmen, employers, new citizens, women and pre-enlistees were also consulted. Providing an overview of the recommendations at a press conference, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, the chairman of the Committee, noted: "The benefits must never become a monetary transaction for services rendered." IPPT AND RT Among the other proposals, NSmen who fail their Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) will have a longer period to complete their 20 remedial training (RT) sessions – increased from the current three months to one year. The Committee also proposed increasing the incentives by S$100 for achieving an IPPT pass with incentive, silver or gold to S$200, S$300 and S$500 respectively. Another recommendation was to scrap the rule that requires NSmen to notify Mindef on overseas trips unless they are more than two weeks in duration. NSmen will still have to inform the ministry if the overseas trip is more than six months. The current rules state that any NSman out of the country for 24 hours or more has to notify the ministry. MORE REGULARS Separately, the committee proposed the hiring of 1,100 more regulars for the Singapore Armed Forces and 230 for the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), with an aim to improve training and inculcate values more effectively. Raising the proportion of officers and specialists from 30 to 40 per cent was also recommended to increase leadership opportunities for full-time National Servicemen (NSFs). Skills picked up by full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) could also be accredited to highlight their competencies and skills gained during NS, the CSNS said. VOLUNTEER CORPS The CSNS’ recommendations also revealed more details of the proposed SAF Volunteer Corps. In their proposal, women, new citizens and first-generation Permanent Residents (PRs) who volunteer in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) could be given a four-week training course, followed by one to two weeks of annual commitment for a minimum of three years. Said Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing, who chaired the working group on support for NS: "They are doing it because they want to... It's an added statement on the commitment of our people beyond the NS pool we have." SHORTER GAP BETWEEN SCHOOL, NS The enlistment wait-time for pre-enlistees could also be shortened to four to six months after completion of post-secondary education, said the Committee, which suggests that 90 per cent of pre-enlistees should be enlisted within four months after post-secondary studies, up from 45 per cent now. The authorities are also looking to work with tertiary institutions to reduce transition time after NS. The Committee, comprising several ministers, top military brass, is chaired by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. The recommendations are meant at create more opportunities for NSmen to contribute to national defence, establish a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteer Corps, and strengthen recognition and benefits for NSmen. It also strives to expand community support for servicemen, and create a positive NS experience through the easing of administrative restrictions, and strengthen the NS training system. more incentive for you guys to pass ippt. if pass, get more monetary rewards. if fail, longer RT.

and she said yes:) of course yes la.. Will be posting the video up soon ~~~sneak preview~~~

Hi Guys, Its the time of the month liao... let's meetup to exchange pointers and get "poisoned" Location: 27th July Night 8pm onwards(Yishun Dam) or 28th July Afternoon 2pm onwards(Kallang Mac) Can share your preference 1. Nets - 28th July 2. 3.

Hi guys, Looks like its time to organise another meetup, since we have some new skodians with their new rides. Location would be Kallang Mac or Ridout Garden Mac. Date/time: 16 or 17 June?

I wonder if anyone of you guys are keen? Usual place Ridout Gardens or Kallang Mac?

Hi ppl.. juz wondering whether these proposed mods would enhance my 'ancient' ride ;p i) E-power volt stabiliser ii) Exhaust system touch up (header, cat and muffler for low/mid-end torque) it's a Charade with a drop-in KNN filter at the moment.. kindly advise.. thanks :)