The information, to be collected over the next few years, will be given to agencies such as the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

In a Channel News Asia report, MP for Sembawang GRC Hawazi Daipi said the data collected would include 'basic information about residents, how many people live in the unit, what is the age profile, who is bedridden, who is immobile, how many toddlers'.

'We can pass the information to the police force and SCDF, so that they can render the necessary assistance in those times of emergency,' he said yesterday at the Marsiling Emergency Preparedness Day 2008 in Woodlands.

Emergency Preparedness Days are community-based exercises organised by the SCDF, grassroots and other agencies to prepare residents for emergencies.

Grassroots leaders in Sembawang will be collecting information from residents living in more than 200 blocks in the area, but hope to cover about 50 blocks by the end of this year.

Undergraduate Jocelyn Lee, 22, a resident of Sembawang, is keen on the initiative.

'It's quite a good idea. If you already have the information beforehand, you'll be more prepared when there is an emergency.'

Sembawang resident Stanley Lim, 24, also an undergraduate, felt it would be especially beneficial for older residents who are less mobile.

He even offered a suggestion: 'I think they should also include things like when the family is most probably at home or at work.'

But while he was comfortable about giving information on the number of people in his family and their ages, he believes the information gathered should not be too personal.

'I wouldn't give information like income, education level, or occupation because it's just not relevant in an emergency,' he said.

Asked if she felt the collection of basic data would infringe on her privacy, Ms Lee said: 'I don't think there is a privacy issue.

'The questions sound quite generic and useful.'

simlinoi@sph.com.sg