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18 Feb 2020
Ministry of Finance
Suggestion View - 76
Duty of govt to ensure workers are gainfully employed

During the negotiation to resolve the US-China trade war, the US side complained that China was subsidizing its state owned enterprises and gave them an advantage over American businesses. The Chinese side explained that the state subsidy was necessary to ensure that these enterprises are able to continue to keep the workers employed. If the workers are retrenched, it would lead to a loss of income and social unrest. I consider the ......



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18 Feb 2020
Immigration and Checkpoint Authority
Feedback View - 1
$10 to replace identity card more reasonable

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) explained that the NRIC is made of highly durable polycarbonate material, subjected to stringent tests and not easily damaged (IC not easily damaged with normal handling, Feb 10). But the identity card in my possession is thin and cracks easily (it has already chipped twice within a year under normal usage). The ICA also reasons that its replacement fee of $60 for an identity card covers the costs incurred by the autho......



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18 Feb 2020
Covid-19 epidemic
Suggestion View - 1
Self-sufficency critical to our survival

The idea of producing masks in Singapore is a reminder for us to cherish the value of strategic capability in times of crisis (Singapore should produce its own masks, by Mr David Kong, Feb 11). Having gone through the dark days of the Japanese Occupation, I raised the issue of Singapore's food production capability with the chairman of the Economic Development Board in the 1970s. The recent panic buying of essential items brings to mind unpleasant experiences in pas......



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18 Feb 2020
Covid-19 epidemic
Suggestion View - 1
Use robots to minimise risk of virus spreading

It is unfortunate that a Certis officer was likely infected by the coronavirus while doing his job to serve quarantine orders to two people from Wuhan (Certis officer had served quarantine orders before symptoms set in, Feb 11). We now know that the virus is highly contagious. When I read that enforcement officers from the Ministry of Manpower are doing house visits to check on workers serving the mandatory leave of absence (LOA), I worry for them (and for those who they come into......



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18 Feb 2020
Singapore Red Cross
Reply View - 1
Many avenues to donate to Red Cross

I thank Phillip Tan Fong Lip for his letter (Create donation hotline, Feb 7). The Singapore Red Cross launched a public appeal on Feb 4 to deliver assistance and support communities in China affected or at risk of being affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The needs are tremendous, and so are the resources required to support these communities. Our decision to respond to this crisis is in line with our humanitarian mission - to serve the vulnerable in their time of......



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17 Feb 2020
Singapore Armed Forces
Feedback View - 6
In-camp training must go on

 am surprised that when Singapore moved its disease outbreak response to orange, there were a number of suggestions on social media platforms that in-camp training be suspended (SAF takes measures to prevent spread of virus, Feb 12). Such a move would open a can of worms as other units in the Home Team would also demand suspension of their training. Singapore cannot afford that given its vulnerability. If we place self-interest over nation, Singa......



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17 Feb 2020
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)
Suggestion View - 2
Airlines should allow ticket cancellations with refunds

Together with many countries, Singapore has been affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus. We know that this virus is asymptomatic - infected people may not display any symptoms but may, nevertheless, be carriers and infect others. As there is an incubation period, the taking of temperatures has limited effectiveness. What we have been advised is to exercise good hygiene and restrict non-essential travel. This is logical as travellin......



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17 Feb 2020
Ministry of Manpower
Suggestion View - 3
Defer routine health checks for maids for now

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) should consider deferring routine health checks of maids so that they do not pose an additional strain to the healthcare system in the midst of the battle against the coronavirus. There are about 250,000 foreign maids in Singapore. With health screening required every six months, this means that on an annual basis, half a million health checks need to be done. This translates roughly to 30,000 to 40,000 health checks a month. Given the......



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17 Feb 2020
Covid-19 epidemic
Suggestion View - 197
Do not issue code Orange next time!

The health minister issued code Orange and caused the following outcomes: a) There was panic with the public at large rushing to stock up food and other supplies. b) Many workplaces have to set aside many workers to do temperature scanning and collect data for contract tracing c) Some countries started to impose restrictions on travel to and from Singapore.  Instead of issuing code Orange, the health minister could have taken the following steps:......



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17 Feb 2020
Covid-19 epidemic
Suggestion View - 92
Provide hand sanitizers at public places

The medical experts advised that people should wash their hands frequently to get rid of the virus.  I suggested that the govt should provide hand sanitizers for use by the public at all public places, such as MRT stations, bus interchanges, malls and markets.  Some people said - the sanitizers will run out quickly.  Sure, they will run out, because they will be used quickly. How about employing people to go round every hour to fill up ......



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17 Feb 2020
Covid-19 epidemic
Suggestion View - 145
Measures to stop the spread of the virus

Under code orange, the govt implement the following strategies to stop the spread of the virus: a) Have workplaces implement temperature scanning b) Record contact details for contact tracing. A lot of work is done, but I sense that these measures are not effective. What are better ways to stop the spread of infection? I suggest these ways: a) Implement temperature scanning at public places - MRT stations, bus interchanges, marke......



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16 Feb 2020
Covid-19 epidemic
Negative View - 187
MP wear a mask to visit an infected person

Mr Tan I am not taking sides but I think Mr GMS does have a point. A ruling party MP has responded to a Facebook post by an opposition politician that criticized her for wearing a mask during a visit to a block with one of Singapore’s coronavirus patients. In her response on Facebook the same day, Ms Cheng said: “One of our residents here at Tampines East is a confirmed patient of the nCoV.” She explained that she had gone to the patient’s block to help the Tampines Town Council w......



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15 Feb 2020
Ministry of Home Affairs
Suggestion View - 3
Give SMEs more help in this tough climate

I refer to the Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) initiative (Task force to tackle expected 30% fall in tourists, Feb 12). The STB's initiative to bring together both the private and public sectors to "lay out strategies for recovery and future growth" is indeed a timely and forward-looking initiative to address the potential impact on Singapore's economy and consequently the livelihood of ordinary workers. The STB's initiative is just one piece of the jigsaw to ensure......



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15 Feb 2020
Public Hygiene Council
Suggestion View - 3
Public must practise good toilet hygiene habits

We can understand why Hong Kongers would worry about a cluster outbreak of Covid-19 in high-rise buildings, suspecting transmission through the sewage system (Fears of virus cluster ease as 5 from HK housing block test negative, Feb 12). Hundreds of cases at Amoy Gardens during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) epidemic also worried Singaporeans. We need not fear. Our sewage systems are well maintained, and our sanitary systems are sound. M......



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14 Feb 2020
Ministry of Environment
Suggestion View - 122
Reduce overproduction and wastage

I believe there is a collective urgent need to recognize our priorities and bring our focus right. Today, the world is over producing, advertisements manipulate consumers to buying more then necessary, wastage etc. Questions: 1. Do we need to package a box of chocolate sold in supermarket in so many layers? 2. How many million tons of fresh produced (vegetables/ animal products) are thrown away each day because they are past their expiratory da......



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14 Feb 2020
Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore
Feedback View - 7
Beware misleading ad practice by retailers

Many retailers these days use false advertising to attract people into their stores. One such tactic used often on advertisement banners and posters is the words "20% off storewide". These misleading advertisements leave many consumers disappointed and frustrated at the cashier counters when they realise that their time has been wasted as most of the items they picked are not applicable for the sale. "Storewide" is defined as "applying to all the merchandise". There......



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14 Feb 2020
Ministry of Education
Suggestion View - 4
Good time for schools to test e-learning capabilities

In line with Singapore's aim to be a Smart Nation, schools have rightly invested in e-learning platforms. In fact, schools have even implemented E-Learning Day, when students learn from home instead of going to school. The suggestion to give parents the option of taking their children out of school and letting the children learn via e-learning from home until the risk of local transmission of the coronavirus has subsided is a good one (Give option to take kids out o......



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14 Feb 2020
Ministry of Community, Youth & Sports
Reply View - 64
Govt looking for new ways to tap expertise of seniors as volunteers

We thank Mr Lau Wai Leong for his feedback (Seniors have much to offer as volunteers, Feb 10). We agree that seniors bring with them valuable skill sets and experiences that make a difference to society. Indeed, volunteerism benefits the seniors themselves, improving their mental, emotional and physical well-being. The Government is committed to growing senior volunteerism in partnership with corporate and community stakeholders. An exa......



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13 Feb 2020
Ministry of Transport
Suggestion View - 107
Buses should keep commuters informed of next destination

In Hong Kong and the Chinese city of Shantou, buses have displays showing commuters the next destination, which is also announced in different languages. I felt extremely comfortable as I did not have to anxiously look out for landmarks to keep track of my current location, so as to alight at the right bus stop. I never missed my bus stop. Most importantly, I enjoyed the bus rides. It is a totally different situation here in Singapore. Without these d......



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13 Feb 2020
National Environment Agency
Reply View - 4
PUB working with town council on water quality incident

We thank Mr Phua Chin Teck for his feedback (Review impact of mosquito control operations on water supply, Jan 28). Following the incident at Block 635 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, the PUB directed Ang Mo Kio Town Council to rectify the block's water tank piping system. The PUB has also sent out a circular to all town councils and building owners, to remind them to exercise precaution during fogging and oiling, such as avoiding fogging near water tanks, and properly sealing......



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13 Feb 2020
Immigration and Checkpoint Authority
Reply View - 1
ICA committed to safety of officers and travellers at checkpoints

We thank Dr Alan K. Koh and Ms Irene Low for their feedback (Staff handling passports at risk, Feb 4; and Fingerprint scanners pose health risk during current crisis, Feb 5). To reduce the risk of virus transmission for travellers and staff at the checkpoints, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has stepped up the frequency of cleaning the checkpoint premises, in particular the immigration clearance counters, and sanitising the fingerprint scanners. Hand......



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12 Feb 2020
Covid-19 epidemic
Suggestion View - 114
Get everyone to have a temperature screen once a week

This is what I gathered from reading many sources. When a person is infected with the coronavirus, it may stay in the body for several weeks or months before they become serious ill. So, many people may be discovered quite late, way beyond the 14 day incubation period. If so, quarantine is not useful. It is better to make everyone go through a temperature screen at least once a week. It will identify those people with symptoms of the coronavirus. They can be sent......



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12 Feb 2020
Covid-19 epidemic
Suggestion View - 183
An alternative approach to temperature screening

When DORSCON Orange was activated, workplaces have to activate temperature screening of their workers. Schools have to activate screening of their students. This has caused long queues and chaos at many locations.  The chaos can be described as "teething problems" and after a while, the problems can be sorted out. However, it will continue to require a lot of time to be spent by staff and teachers to carry out the daily temperature screening.  Worse, it may not achi......



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12 Feb 2020
Singapore Police Force
Reply View - 2
Security barriers effective in deterring intrusions

We thank Mr Andrew Seow Chwee Guan and Mr Chan Whye Shiung for their feedback (Security barriers deter only certain groups; and Floating barriers off Pasir Ris an eyesore, both on Feb 4). Singapore has an open coastline and is vulnerable to security threats coming from the maritime domain, such as intrusions by terrorists, illegal immigrants or other hostile actors. The Police Coast Guard (PCG) adopts a multi-pronged approach to protect Singapore's coastline, which ......



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12 Feb 2020
Ministry of Health
Compliment View - 3
Grateful for top-notch healthcare here

I was disheartened to see the article "Singapore grocery chain starts limiting how much people can buy" as one of the top stories on Bloomberg on Sunday. The Government has done an extremely laudable job in managing the coronavirus situation, and ensured the lessons learnt from the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic have resulted in concrete reforms. The transparency and detail in the daily reports on the situation are a reassuring reminder that the Ministry of Health is o......



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12 Feb 2020
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Suggestion View - 149
MAS should give guidance to banks on how to observe money laundering regulations

This is based on my understanding. If I am wrong, the finance minister can apply POFMA and give a correction order. I understand that MAS expects banks to observe the money laundering regulations but do not give guidance to the banks on what are acceptable and practical measures. They leave this matter to the banks to decide.  There is a regulation in China that international payments are allowed for individuals and not to businesses. To ensure t......



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11 Feb 2020
DBS Bank
Negative View - 303
So much hassle to use DBS Remit

I wanted to send some money to a manufacturer in China through DBS Remit. I have to create an payee by providing the bank code (CNAP number) and account number. I have to enter the full name of the recipient in English and in Chinese, the NRIC of the recipient and the full address. I do not have the ability to type the name in Chinese. I do not have the NRIC of the recipient - as it is a company. The full address is long, and cannot fit into the space provided by DB......



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11 Feb 2020
Singapore Food Agency
Suggestion View - 15
Better control over panic buying needed in future

The Government could have done better by holding a meeting with supermarket operators before they announced the raising of the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (Dorscon) to orange (No risk of shortage of essential food, household items, Feb 8). This would have allowed all parties concerned to prepare in advance and to limit the purchase of essentials, which was eventually done. Not only were there long queues at supermarkets, but many impatient shoppers al......



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11 Feb 2020
Ministry of Trade & Industry
Suggestion View - 17
Singapore should produce its own masks

Foxconn, the maker of Apple's iPhone and other consumer electronics products, is taking the unusual step to produce surgical masks, which is not its core business. Foxconn has about one million workers in mainland China. It argues that the masks are needed to protect its workers as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus. They cannot depend on other mask suppliers to resolve the shortage. Foxconn expects to produce two million masks a day by the end of the m......



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11 Feb 2020
Ministry of Manpower
Feedback View - 8
Tighten leave of absence requirements

Since the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (Dorscon) was raised to orange, we have seen the ugly side of Singapore. One possible problematic area is those returning from China and put on the mandatory 14-day leave of absence. Many live with other tenants or landlords' families. These people may be inadvertently exposed, and as no restrictions have been imposed on them, they would go about their daily lives, thus exposing the risk to others they come into c......



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