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16 Nov 2019
Ministry of Manpower
Feedback View - 4
Labour survey leaves retiree perplexed

On Nov 5, I received a "On government service" letter addressed to "the resident". It was for a labour force survey conducted by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to be done online by Nov 10. It also stated that it was compulsory to do the survey, according to the Statistics Act. That clause gave me stress and anxiety as it gave me the impression that if I were to ignore it I might be penalised in some way. So I called the number on the letter and asked if the survey could be deferre......



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16 Nov 2019
Energy Market Authority (EMA)
Feedback View - 3
Smart meters really the smart solution?

Environment Correspondent Audrey Tan explained the benefits of replacing the analog meters with advanced meters (Smart meters to help more homes go green, Nov 6). This is a brilliant initiative to get users to reduce their energy consumption. However, it does come with its downside. The report suggests that this initiative will be made mandatory. Not all homes contribute to high energy consumption, so consumers should be allowed to opt out. Also, there is little inf......



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16 Nov 2019
Ministry of Manpower
Suggestion View - 2
Make two days rest per work week official

Recently, Microsoft Japan experimented with a four-day work week and the results were extraordinary, with an increase in productivity of up to 40 per cent. Yet, in Singapore, we are still instituting an official six-day work week in some organisations, with only one official day of rest per week. Granted almost all office workers are now working a five-day work week, but many shift workers and retail frontline staff are still on a six-day work week, with only four d......



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16 Nov 2019
National Heritage Board
Reply View - 1
Designs capture vision, design intent of Founders' Memorial

We thank Mr Toh Cheng Seong for his views on the shortlisted designs for the Founders' Memorial (Shortlisted designs for Founders' Memorial uninspiring, Nov 13). The brief for the Founders' Memorial and desired visitor experience was shaped by more than 32,000 Singaporeans over several rounds of public engagement. They told us that they would like it to be accessible, and facilitate learning experiences and reflection. It is the reason the memorial is......



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15 Nov 2019
Energy Market Authority (EMA)
Suggestion View - 2
Extend smart meter initiative to schools, new homes

I am pleased to hear about the new smart meter initiative as it provides home owners more information on their energy use (Smart meters to help more homes go green, Nov 6). This is a step towards more sustainable energy consumption as it empowers them to take charge of their own energy use. It would be good to extend this initiative to schools, as well as make it a standard feature in future homes. Having smart meters in schools would be a good learni......



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15 Nov 2019
Ministry of Manpower
Feedback View - 3
Social media checks for hiring purposes worrying

I was shocked to learn from a job recruiter friend that he uses social media to screen job candidates at the request of clients, the employers. This practice must stop as profiles created on social media like Twitter and Facebook could be for personal use only. These are platforms where people express themselves freely. Many use social networking sites to connect with others and recruiters are using these sites as a source of background information on applicants to ......



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15 Nov 2019
Land Transport Authority
Feedback View - 3
Remove barriers to switch to electric vehicles in Singapore

Recently, the Government announced that the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) would be extended in the hope that car buyers would be encouraged to purchase cleaner car models (VES extended by a year in push for cleaner cars, Oct 31). The outcome of the scheme has been rather disappointing thus far and I believe it is clear as to why - VES rebates are not sufficient to nudge consumers away from regular cars. The VES needs to be further revised; otherwise, the Governme......



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15 Nov 2019
Movement for change
Suggestion View - 164
We need to think of the social good

The future for Singapore is bleak.  On one hand, we have a PAP govt that implement policies that are bad for ordinary people. They add to the cost of living, depressed wages and give a poor return on their investments. On the other hand, we have the majority of people who think only of their selfish interest. If they have a job, they do not care about other people who lost their jobs due to factors beyond their control.  In the recent episod......



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14 Nov 2019
Insurance
Suggestion View - 2
Impose cap on how much insurers can raise premiums

I purchased two insurance policies from an insurance company some time back. My premiums for both policies doubled to over $700 last year when I was 42 years old. This year, it cost me a total of $1,367, though I have never utilised either policy. According to the insurance company, the adjustment is necessary to keep up with the latest claims experience and medical inflation and that "the claim experience has seen an increase of 22 per cent per annum......



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14 Nov 2019
Ministry of Social & Family Dev
Suggestion View - 2
Change law to help non-parent caregivers of children in need

In my line of work as a lawyer, I've spoken to social workers who have encountered many cases of children whose biological parents are uninvolved in their lives and who are being cared for and raised by other families instead. Such "non-parents" do not have any legal relationship with the child and they inevitably face problems in making decisions on behalf of the child, such as in registering for primary school or applying for certain financial assistance schemes. ......



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14 Nov 2019
SMRT
Reply View - 1
Two lifts at MRT stations where possible

We thank Mr Tony Wee Gim Leong for his feedback on lift service at MRT stations (Seniors struggle when lifts at train stations don't work, Nov 4). We agree that lifts in MRT stations are important to the elderly and those with mobility issues. On Mr Wee's suggestion to have more than one lift in each station, the Land Transport Authority has provided for two lifts for future lines, where technically possible. The lift at Bukit Batok station was put ou......



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14 Nov 2019
Land Transport Authority
Suggestion View - 534
Is there a need to ban PMDs on pavements?

I wish to give my views on the decision to ban PMDs from using the pavements. I think it is a wrong decision. We can find a better solution to meet the need for safety for pedestrians and the need for riders to use PMDs for mobility or to make a living.  This is how it can be done. We have to recognize that PMDs are small and light and are the most convenient devices for food delivery. The alternative is to use motor cycles but they are bigger an......



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13 Nov 2019
Housing Development Board
Feedback View - 2
Review how Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme deals with leaks

For a water leak to occur on a Housing Board flat ceiling (typically toilet or kitchen), there must be a fault with a path of least resistance that allows the water to flow from a high point to low point. The construction of an HDB flat toilet floor consists of the floor tiles on top of concrete, followed by a waterproof membrane and another layer of concrete that forms the ceiling of the flat below. When a water leak occurs, which party, the upper floor flat owner ......



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13 Nov 2019
Singapore Police Force
Reply View - 2
Technology complements daily patrols to nab errant motorists on roads

We thank Mr Tony Lim Thiam Poh for his feedback (More Traffic Police presence needed on roads, Oct 29). The Traffic Police (TP) takes strict enforcement action against errant motorists. It conducts both overt patrols and covert operations daily to deter and detect irresponsible motoring. To complement these enforcement efforts, it leverages technology, including cameras at traffic light junctions and fixed speed cameras and mobile speed cameras at tra......



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13 Nov 2019
Cyber Security Agency
Suggestion View - 1
Robust cyber security needed for autonomous vehicles

With autonomous buses and cars on the horizon, I sincerely hope that government agencies keep a tight rein on service providers to ensure cyber-security robustness and identify security weaknesses or vulnerabilities before vehicles are deployed (Most hackers are not hoodie-wearing crooks in dark rooms, Nov 9). It is also critical to know how to manage things should autonomous buses go rogue and affect the transport system. Autonomous vehicles take on more importance......



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12 Nov 2019
Land Transport Authority
Feedback View - 4
E-scooter trade-in grant the wrong way to address situation

I see the $7 million e-scooter Trade-in Grant as part of a very disturbing trend in policymaking ($7m fund to help delivery riders switch from e-scooters, Nov 9). Taxpayers' money has been called upon again, as in the earlier incentive for early disposal of non-UL2272 certified e-scooter ($100 incentive for early disposal of e-scooters that fail safety standards, Sept 21). The plight of food delivery riders deserves to be addressed but I feel this is the wrong way to do it. The da......



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12 Nov 2019
Land Transport Authority
Suggestion View - 1
Grant conditional exception to food delivery riders

The ban of electric scooters came too suddenly, even though I agree it is necessary for the sake of pedestrian safety. It caught many off guard leaving them with no time to make adjustments. Food delivery riders have voiced their frustrations to ministers and their reactions are understandable as the ban deeply impacts their livelihood (Food delivery riders' concerns will be looked into: Minister, Nov 8). I propose that they be granted a conditional exception to the......



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12 Nov 2019
Land Transport Authority
Suggestion View - 2
Don't budge on e-scooter footpath ban

Following the ban on e-scooters on footpaths, several food delivery riders went to meet ministers to voice their concerns (Food delivery riders' concerns will be looked into: Minister, Nov 8; Food delivery riders voice concerns to Shanmugam, Nov 7). I urge the Government and relevant authorities to remain firm on the ban and not to compromise. The ban is long-awaited and necessary as the lives and safety of pedestrians are at stake and must remain paramount. ......



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12 Nov 2019
Out of the box
Suggestion View - 119
A platform for official messages

We need a platform for official messages from govt agencies and businesses. It has to be a separate platform from the social media. Let me illustrate the problem and what should be done to address it. I saw this message from the Singapore Armed Forces. They sent SMS to their serviceman and had to clarify that the message is genuine. It seems that the message could be forwarded by the recipients and modified causing unclarity on the authenticity of the messages.br /......



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11 Nov 2019
Central Provident Fund
Feedback View - 3
Why make self-employed top up shortfall CPF Board is creating?

The Contribute As You Earn (CAYE) scheme will start early next year and apply to freelancers working directly for the Government and public sector agencies (Help for freelancers on Medisave contributions, Nov 5). However, this is only half the problem solved, in particular for those who have sufficient Medisave funds and have reached their Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) limits. While I agree with the idea of Medisave contributions to address healthcare needs, I question......



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11 Nov 2019
National Parks Board
Suggestion View - 1
Go beyond just planting trees on Jurong Island

I am heartened by the greening initiative to plant 30,000 trees on Jurong Island over the next three years funded by businesses in the industrial estate (30,000 trees to help beat the heat on Jurong Island, Nov 3). The trees are expected to cool temperatures and benefit the ecosystem. Moreover, the diverse range of tree species chosen to be planted can enhance local biodiversity. Taking into account that Singapore ranks 27th out of 142 countries in terms of emission......



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11 Nov 2019
Singapore Sports Council
Reply View - 1
Mid-sized stadiums could have drawbacks

We thank Mr Gurmit Singh for his feedback (Build mid-sized football stadium, Oct 30). The National Stadium at the Sports Hub plays host to a large variety of events such as Community Play Days and international football matches involving our national team. These events are accessible at affordable prices or sometimes available free-of-charge to the public. Events at the stadium capitalise on the facility's flexible configurations to cater to both small and large aud......



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10 Nov 2019
Movement for change
Suggestion View - 150
Adopting a supportive mindset

When someone takes the trouble to analyze a problem and to offer a solution, it is useful to adopt a supportive mindset. What is this mindset? To be supportive, you need to: a) Read the suggestion carefully and understand it. You should clarify any doubts or ambiguity b) Look for the areas that you agree with and state it. c) Avoid passing negative judgment which usually comes from misunderstanding. Some  people adopt a negative min......



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10 Nov 2019
Out of the box
Suggestion View - 135
Hotel should improve their feedback system

Most hotels leave a feedback form for their guests to complete and give feedback about their stay. Here are some suggestions on how to improve the feedback forms. a) Simplify the feedback form by reducing the number of questions and allow the guest to provide an open ended feedback. If there is need for further information, it could be provided by a follow up call or e-mail. b) Give an acknowledgement or reply to the feedback. Most hotels hardly do so......



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09 Nov 2019
Land Transport Authority
Suggestion View - 3
Irresponsible to let e-scooters on roads

The call by Dr Yik Keng Yeong to allow e-scooters on roads is ill-advised (Let e-scooters go on road, Nov 6).Given the size of e-scooters vis-a-vis larger motor vehicles, allowing e-scooters to go onto the roads can be a substantially dangerous affair. There are about 100,000 registered e-scooters in Singapore, and allowing all of them onto our roads is more of a hazard than a convenience. The fact that e-scooters have to contend with faster vehicular traffic would pose even more ......



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09 Nov 2019
Land Transport Authority
Suggestion View - 1
Don't penalise all PMD riders because of acts of a few

I second Dr Yik Keng Yeong's idea of letting personal mobility devices (PMDs) go on roads (Let e-scooters go on roads, Nov 6). Better yet, why not follow China or other countries that actually provide a smaller 2m to 3m slow lane on the left for those users? First, it will immediately remove the possibility of hitting pedestrians walking slowly on the pavement. Second, other vehicles will not have to keep a look out for or give way to PMD riders, get frustrated over......



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09 Nov 2019
Out of the box
Suggestion View - 226
Japanese have a different way to manage their hotels

I am now staying at the Royal Nikko Hotel in Taipei. It is a Japanese brand hotel and runs along Japanese way. I share these interesting experiences. They have a door man to open the door and greet the guests. Apart from being polite, they are ready to give information and guidance. It is useful to guests. They offer Wifi without any password in the lobby. This is an excellent service. The Wifi in the guest room requires a password, but it is a s......



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09 Nov 2019
Out of the box
Suggestion View - 219
Japanese brand hotels operating overseas employ Japanese housekeeping workers

I am staying at the Royal Nikko Hotel in Taipei. I had a pleasant surprise about how this hotel operates. I pressed the service button by mistake. A minute later, a housekeeping worker opened the door. She was an elderly Japanese woman who spoke to me in Japanese. Why does this hotel employ a Japanese worker to work in Taipei? Surely it is too expensive for them? On reflection, it makes sense. They have many guests who are Japanese. These guests would......



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09 Nov 2019
Starhub
Suggestion View - 143
Prompt response but bad communication

My Starhub app has three mobile numbers My main number was shown in the app as #2. The default number, on loading the app, was another number. I had to change to the main number each time that I need to check on my data plans. It was troublesome but I tolerated it for a year. One day, I sent a feedback to Starhub to allow me to set my main number as the default number. They acknowledge my feedback. I heard nothing more from them for one month. Recently, I was asked ......



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08 Nov 2019
Land Transport Authority
Feedback View - 2
Restore seats removed in newer train design

I strongly support Ms Rina Tan Gek Hwa's call for more seats on trains (Have more seats on trains to cater to older riders, Oct 26). In 2008, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SMRT decided to remove a certain number of seats from some trains to help alleviate overcrowding, which is a problem which still persists today. This has caused commuters a certain amount of disappointment, especially when Singapore's ageing population is only increasing, yet seats are at......



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