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19 Sep 2019
Ministry of Education
Suggestion View - 4
Attracting and retaining good pre-school teachers a priority

The new chief executive officer of the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), Ms Jamie Ang, said that at the heart of good pre-schools are good teachers (Wanted: Pre-school teachers with a heart, Sept 9). I look forward to seeing more quality teaching staff entering the industry. But first, the CEO would need to set up more training centres to ensure there is a sufficient number of teachers to meet the greater demand for pre-schools. The shortage ......



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19 Sep 2019
Insurance
Feedback View - 2
Make insurance coverage compulsory for PMD riders

Madam Yeo Eng Koong, a victim of an accident involving a personal mobility device (PMD), incurred medical expenses of about $18,000 and her dental surgery required another $4,900 (Encounter with PMD rider left woman with 30 stitches, Sept 13). It was not reported if the rider, Tham Chee Boon, had borne the cost or had third-party liability insurance to cover it. Life has changed for the worse for Madam Yeo, just 53 years old, who still has frequent headaches and tir......



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19 Sep 2019
Council for Estate Agencies (CEA)
Reply View - 1
Property agents must comply with relevant laws

We refer to Ms Ng Poh Leng's letter (Protect landlords and tenants from unscrupulous real estate agents, Sept 16). The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) takes a serious view of property agents who do not act responsibly and professionally. Under CEA's Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care (CEPCC), property agents must abide by the relevant laws that apply to property transactions, and are obliged to protect and promote the interests of their clients. b......



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19 Sep 2019
Ministry of Law
Reply View - 1
Tech solutions in place to ensure access to justice for all litigants

We thank Madam Lily Ong for her views (Legal tech should benefit both industry and public, Sept 11). The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) is committed to ensuring access to justice for all, not just in technological solutions to enhance the delivery of quality legal services overall, but also in measures which support the litigant directly. For the vulnerable in society, civil legal aid is available through the Legal Aid Bureau. We are simplifying the means t......



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19 Sep 2019
Movement for change
Suggestion View - 104
How to reduce public transport fares

The govt wants to increase public transport fares to match the increase in operating expenses. The commuters are unhappy about the fare increases. However, I have to say that the commuters are not acting in a reasonable way. Why do I say it? For a long time, I had advocated that the bus services should be streamlined. We do not need 350 bus services to provide a complicated network of services around Singapore.  It is difficult to manage this com......



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19 Sep 2019
Movement for change
Suggestion View - 125
Singapore companies should learn to be fair to customers

I do not like the way that many organizations do their business in Singapore. They abuse their monopolistic position to impose high cost to their customers and adopt questionable practices to place a ransom on their customers.  I like to share this example.  Many years ago, I decided to buy domain names ending in "sg" as it was supposed to convey a brand that sg has high integrity. I found that the annual cost of a "sg" domain was $60 compared to $10 for a......



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18 Sep 2019
Movement for change
Suggestion View - 174
Does the PAP give citizenship to maintain the Chinese ratio at 76%

A non Chinese asked for my views about the perceived policy of the PAP to give citizenship to maintain the Chinese ratio in Singapore at 76%. I do not know if this is a correct reflection of the PAP policy.  My comment is that the PAP government is giving citizenship to too many people, whether Chinese or otherwise. It is a reflection of their poor performance - that they are not able to get the locals to produce enough children. It is bad to giv......



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18 Sep 2019
SCDF
Feedback View - 5
Send out nationwide emergency alerts through phones

I commend the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for its constant efforts in testing the Public Warning System (PWS) to ensure that Singaporeans are familiar with what to do should a threat to lives and property arise. Currently, when the pulsating blast is sounded to alert the populace to an important broadcast, people are to tune in to any local FM radio station or TV channel. I understand that for the PWS sounding on Sunday, the signal was sounded through the S......



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18 Sep 2019
Ministry of Health
Suggestion View - 4
Maintain strong stance against cannabis

Those who push for the legalisation of cannabis tend to cite studies that point to the cannabinoids found in cannabis that have potential use for some medical treatments (Two suspects arrested for growing cannabis plants, Sept 11). Cannabinoids operate in a similar way to molecules produced by the human body known as endocannabinoids. Both plant and human versions of the molecules can activate a wide network of receptors in the human brain and body to generate diffe......



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18 Sep 2019
Ministry of Health
Reply View - 2
Telemedicine subject to same medical standards

We thank Ms Janet Lim Poh Eng and Dr Lee Pheng Soon for their letters (MOH must crack down on conveniently issued e-MCs; Let heartland doctors teleconsult with patients, both Sept 12). Telemedicine provides better accessibility for Singaporeans' varied care needs. It complements the services provided by general practitioner (GP) and specialist clinics, polyclinics, and the intermediate and long-term care sector. Telemedicine will be regulated under the upcoming Heal......



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18 Sep 2019
Ministry of Culture, Comm & Youth
Reply View - 2
SC Journey programme helps new citizens integrate

We thank Dr Alvona Loh Zi Hui and Mr S Ratnakumar for their letters (More activities with locals would help integrate new citizens, Sept 13; Integration possible only by unpacking emotional baggage, Sept 16). We agree that it is important for new citizens to integrate well into our community. New citizens would already have experienced our way of life and our norms, having lived in Singapore for some time before being naturalised. By taking up citizen......



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18 Sep 2019
Movement for change
Suggestion View - 59
How to tax the rich

Paul Krugman wrote in New York Times - How to tax the rich. Whether or not she becomes the Democratic nominee, Elizabeth Warren has brought something new to American politics; call it the charisma of wonkery. “Warren has a plan for that” has become a rallying cry for her supporters — and she has also impressed many serious policy experts with the sophistication of her proposals. But can she pay for her plans? Leave aside Med......



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17 Sep 2019
Ministry of Education
Suggestion View - 3
Training providers should apply to be part of PSEA-approved list

I was heartened to hear from the Ministry of Education that training providers can apply for their courses to be considered for inclusion in the list of Post-Secondary Education Account-approved courses (Post-Secondary Education Account can be used for selected SkillsFuture courses, July 8). Since then, I have e-mailed several training providers requesting that they apply for this inclusion, as I believe their courses could be useful for one's career and personal development. Howe......



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17 Sep 2019
Ministry of Manpower
Suggestion View - 3
Maids should have KPIs too

Few would disagree with Ms Jaya Anil Kumar, a case manager for the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, who said that live-in helpers are inherently vulnerable to exploitation and abuse (When family members abuse a maid together, Sept 9). But are employers not vulnerable too (Maid abuse? What about the reverse? Sept 16)? Having, out of necessity, to admit a stranger - not knowing her mental state, and cultural beliefs and practices - into one's home, a......



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17 Sep 2019
Central Provident Fund
Reply View - 1
Personal data released to counter misinformation

We agree with Mr Loh Kin Poh that the Central Provident Fund Board needs to ensure that CPF members' data is safeguarded (CPF Board needs to ensure secrecy of members' data, Sept 14). We uphold strictly the Government's data protection standards which are aligned with, if not more stringent than, the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). For example, we have implemented measures such as Internet surfing separation which are not required in the PDP......



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17 Sep 2019
Ministry of Manpower
Reply View - 2
Most employers pay up salary claims in full

Transient Workers Count Too general manager Ethan Guo's letter does not provide a fair picture of what is happening on the ground (Bosses of foreign workers ignore court orders to pay up, Sept 5). Most salary claims by workers are settled by the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) and in nine out of 10 cases, claimants receive full p......



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16 Sep 2019
Housing Development Board
Suggestion View - 8
Protect landlords and tenants from unscrupulous real estate agents

The Government has been encouraging the elderly to use their flat to finance their retirement. And my mother did precisely that by renting out her four-room Housing Board flat. Through an agent from a well-known real estate agency, we found six foreign workers as tenants. Months later, an HDB officer called and said neighbours had complained about many people going in and out of my mother's flat. The agent went with the HDB officer to do a spot check ......



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16 Sep 2019
National Environment Agency
Feedback View - 6
Update public on probe into giving of red packets at crematorium

It has been more than seven months since the National Environment Agency (NEA) gave an update on what was then an ongoing probe by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) into the illegal practice of crematorium and funeral staff receiving red packets at Mandai Crematorium for services rendered (More than just a gift?, Feb 10). Can the CPIB and NEA update the public on the investigations that have been done since, and whether there have been any actions taken against the......



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16 Sep 2019
Land Transport Authority
Suggestion View - 3
Cap personal mobility aids at walking speed

Personal mobility aids that assist the immobile and the elderly to move around should not have top speeds that exceed walking speed. I recently saw an elderly man zipping around on his personal mobility aid, which resembled a motorised tricycle, at speeds similar to that of a person sprinting. Having such personal mobility aids operating at high speeds is unnecessary, in fact it may endanger the elderly who use them as their reflexes may not be quick enough to stop ......



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16 Sep 2019
Movement for change
Suggestion View - 337
Make it more attractive for employers to employ locals

Singapore has a dysfunctional employment system. The workforce is 3.6 million of which 36% or 1.3 million are foreign workers.  Many of the local workers have to work as taxi drivers and private car drivers or take up part time job because they are not able to get a full time job. Many employers prefer to employ foreign workers instead of local workers.  What is the problem and how can this be overcome? Here are the reasons why employer......



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14 Sep 2019
Central Provident Fund
Feedback View - 10
CPF Board needs to ensure secrecy of members' data

Yet again, another Central Provident Fund member has complained about the CPF Board. And once again, the CPF Board has responded on its Facebook page with details that read like the CPF member's financial history (CPF Board clarifies man's claim that he gets $15 in monthly payout, says unauthorised transfers to Medisave untrue, Sept 9, ST Online). Given the drive against fake news, the official reaction is understandable. Yet, whatever Mr Michael Toh Thiam Hock's mo......



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14 Sep 2019
National Environment Agency
Suggestion View - 5
Cut down waste at trade fairs

Every year, thousands of people flock to the Comex fair to check out or buy the latest electronic gadgets. Exhibitors slash prices and make generous promotional offers to attract consumers and boost their sales figures. But the joy of getting new gadgets comes at a cost to the environment as more electronic waste is produced. Exhibitors also spend huge sums of money to set up attractive booths, and print posters, fliers and brochures. A......



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14 Sep 2019
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Reply View - 2
Range of measures taken as digital banks come into play

We thank Mr Ramamurthy Mahesh Kumar and Mr Phua Kok Hee for their views (MAS needs to educate public on digital banks, Sept 9; and How will digital banks handle customer problems?, Sept 12). We agree it is important that the public understands the differences between the new digital banks and existing banks in Singapore. Most banks here have enhanced their digital service offerings to customers, alongside physical branches and ATMs. The new digital ba......



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14 Sep 2019
Land Transport Authority
Feedback View - 4
Law-breaking taxi, private-hire drivers get off too lightly

I recently attended the Safe Driving Course (SDC) organised by the Traffic Police (TP) in order to get demerit points cancelled from my driving record, and was shocked to see so many taxi and private-hire car drivers attending the course. These professional transport providers have added responsibility on the road to be more careful than the rest of us. Something as basic as the SDC is unlikely to improve their possibly reckless driving behaviour. Due......



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13 Sep 2019
Out of the box
Suggestion View - 205
Referendum for independence of Hong Kong

I suggest that China should hold a referendum for the people of Hong Kong - do you want to be independent of China? There are two possible outcomes: a) The majority vote for independence.  b) The majority vote to remain part of China. I think that the majority will vote to remain part of China. It is difficult for Hong Kong to be independent of China. They need water and power to be provided by China.  Maybe, they can b......



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13 Sep 2019
Ministry of Education
Suggestion View - 6
Nurture a new generation of trilingual Singaporeans

I am happy to note that some schools are offering a third language to students, though only up to a conversational level. Trilingualism is important. Learning a third language up to a conversational level is practical and achievable. Knowing a language will open the door to knowing a culture and race. This is a perfect way to interracial tolerance and understanding. Think of the advantage to Singaporeans who can relate to......



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13 Sep 2019
Housing Development Board
Feedback View - 82
Chance at waterfront living for all

The mandate of the Housing Board is to create high-quality and affordable public housing for all Singaporeans. This mission does not entail arbitrary restrictions on location. Which is why I strongly disagree with Mr Soo Weng Keong's views on HDB flats within the Greater Southern Waterfront area (Govt subsidy should not go to luxury seafront homes, Aug 30) When applications for public housing exceed demand, a lottery is the fairest method of allocating scarce resour......



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13 Sep 2019
NTUC
Reply View - 61
'No plastic bag' trial a study of consumer sentiment

We refer to the letters commenting on FairPrice's "No Plastic Bag" trial initiative and thank readers for their feedback and suggestions as well as their encouragement on our ongoing sustainability efforts. We are heartened by the renewed awareness and robust discussion on addressing the perennial issue of plastic bag usage and waste. FairPrice has always adopted a proactive approach towards reducing our carbon footprint as well as in developing initiatives to ensure a sustainable......



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13 Sep 2019
Indonesia
Reply View - 1
Haze didn't cross from Sumatra to Peninsular Malaysia

We refer to the reports (KL to urge Jakarta to take swift action on haze amid spike in hot spots, Sept 7; Haze in Malaysia likely to stay till end of month, Sept 9) that could lead to Indonesia being blamed for transboundary haze. Between Sept 4 and 7, the Agency for Meteorology and Geophysics deputy head Mulyono R. Prabowo said that satellite images from the Citra Satellite Terra Aqua Modis, SNPP, Noaa0 and the Himawari-8 clearly show there was no transboundary haze pollution fro......



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12 Sep 2019
Out of the box
Suggestion View - 79
Disadvantage of blockchain technology

The proponents of blockchain are excited about its application. It remove the need for a trusted third party and allows all the participants to monitor the transactions and be assured that they are reliable.  This platform uses the concept of duplicating the database in many servers (called nodes) and comparing the results. If any of the database is hacked, the other database will be able to overrule that database using a voting and consensus system. I fin......



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