{"loaderData":{"0-26":{"context":{"type":0,"statusCode":200,"cacheControlMaxAge":60,"regenerateInterval":180,"payload":{"pageType":"live-blog-landing-page","results":[{"title":"","url":"","description":"","type":"live-coverage","refCode":"live:-parliament-passes-bill-on-land-transport,-debates-motion-on-contribution-to-imf","cards":[],"liveBlogData":{"htmlData":"

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Recap: Parliament passes Bill on land transport, debates motion on contribution to IMF

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MPs also discussed the impact of the new food safety grading framework and balloting in secondary schools among others.

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Published: Feb 3, 2026

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BNB Diviyadhaarshini, Ian Cheng, Ng Wei Kai

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Follow for updates.","ogDescription":"MPs will also pose queries on housing, employment support and continue debating Bill on land transport. Follow for updates.","jsonLd":"{\"@context\":\"https:\\/\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"LiveBlogPosting\",\"@id\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/live-singapore-parliament-feb-2026\",\"headline\":\"Live: Feb Parliament Day 1\",\"description\":\"This is the last Parliament sitting before the Budget machine kicks into high gear on Feb 12. Follow ST's live coverage.\",\"coverageStartTime\":\"2026-02-03T08:30:00+08:00\",\"coverageEndTime\":\"2026-02-03T20:30:00+08:00\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\/\\/www.straitstimes.com\\/assets\\/ST-logo-default-aoeSLh4S.png\",\"width\":\"1228\",\"height\":\"96\"}},\"liveBlogUpdate\":[{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore making \\u2018good progress\\u2019 but there is no \\u2018magic pill\\u2019, says Chee Hong Tat on S\\u2019pore\\u2019s equities market\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T19:34:05+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T19:40:19+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The average daily traded value of securities on SGX grew more than 20 per cent year on year to almost $1.8 billion in November, the highest since 2010.Meanwhile, the number of Singapore-listed stocks with at least $1 million in average daily trading turnover has risen to 100.Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat cites these figures to show the progress made in strengthening Singapore\\u2019s equities market.He says three guiding principles anchor the work in this area.The first is effective and timely implementation. His ministry will focus on this to translate policy ideas into market outcomes, he says. To this end, an equity market implementation committee, co-chaired by MAS and SGX, has been set up.Second is the idea that innovation in policy requires taking calculated risks. As such, guardrails will be put in place where necessary as Singapore takes bold steps to try new ideas, he adds.He says more resources will be put into public and investor education so that stakeholders understand the greater market volatility that comes with taking more risks for higher returns.He adds that IPO professionals and research analysts must also uphold high standards of due diligence and analysis to support investors in making informed decisions.In response WP MP Louis Chua\\u2019s point on mandatory disclosure requirements for companies, Mr Chee says the Government will be looking at some requirements that may have to be mandatory. But he adds that not everything needs to be mandated, since the companies themselves may have strong commercial interests to make disclosures.The third principle is that improving competitiveness is \\u201clike a never-ending marathon that you just have to keep running\\u201d. He promises to continue to listen and adapt and welcomes feedback and suggestions from WP\\u2019s Mr Chua and Associate Professor Jamus Lim.\\u201cSo our strategy is to make Singapore\\u2019s market more attractive on its own merits, so that capital flows here because the opportunities are attractive and our ecosystem as a whole is strong. This philosophy underpins our different measures. We\\u2019re not trying to go for a silver bullet that can, on its own, solve all the problems. There\\u2019s no magic pill,\\u201d Mr Chee says. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Parliament has ended for today\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T19:39:21+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T19:39:21+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Here are some highlights:New seat for WP chief: Workers\\u2019 Party chief Pritam Singh was assigned a new seat today, about two weeks after being removed as Leader of the Opposition by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He is no longer sitting across from the PM, and Deputy Speaker Christopher de Souza is in his old chair. On rents in historic areas: While median rents of historic shophouses in Kampong Gelam have increased at a \\u201cmoderate pace\\u201d, there was a \\u201csmall proportion\\u201d of leases signed between 2023 and 2025 that saw higher increases of 25 per cent or more, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development Syed Harun Alhabsyi. He did not elaborate on how many such leases were signed or what proportion of the area was affected.Central kitchens: The Education Ministry has no intention to expand the central kitchen system for school canteens to all schools here, said Minister of State for Education Jasmin Lau. Land transport debate: MPs debated new laws that will set out a framework for the new ERP system and tighten rules around personal mobility devices, including making the new on-board units mandatory by January 2027. Several issues have dominated the debate so far, including how the laws will affect vulnerable groups such as delivery workers and the elderly, and how they will be enforced.See you tomorrow! We start again at 1.30pm. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Make Singapore equities great again: WP MPs\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T19:01:25+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T19:03:52+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"In an adjournment motion, WP MP Louis Chua (Sengkang GRC) speaks on the future of Singapore\\u2019s equities market and the country\\u2019s role as a global financial centre.He acknowledges the Government\\u2019s stronger resolve to combat the declining vibrancy of Singapore\\u2019s capital markets, but posits that current recommendations may not be sufficient to drive permanent change.He proposes two structural interventions to improve companies\\u2019 long-term fundamentals \\u2013 mandatory disclosure requirements for companies to demonstrate how they will drive higher shareholder returns, as well as strengthened enforcement against those that fall short of established standards.Associate Professor Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC) offers a third suggestion on macro financial reform that can enrich the capital raising life cycle, based on strengthening incentives for companies to list in Singapore.His suggestions include financial incentives such as granting firms continued recognition as SMEs for tax purposes over an interim period, if they choose to list. He also suggests granting tax-free status for employee stock ownership, or giving further inducements to retail investors so average households are more likely to participate.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Delivery platforms can and must do more in PMA safety, say MPs \",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T18:19:48+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T18:26:52+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Delivery platforms are the \\u201celephant in the room\\u201d at the root of unsafe behaviour from delivery riders, said Ms Gho Sze Kee (Mountbatten).Platform riders operate under constant time pressures driven by targets, bonuses and performance-based incentives, and earnings are linked to the number of orders completed, delivery, speed and acceptance rates, she says.For many such workers, the only path to a viable income is by hitting targets in a \\u201cpressure-cooker environment\\u201d, in which riders have to move faster and faster, she adds.Public safety cannot be the Government\\u2019s concern alone, and it is time to hold platform companies more accountable for the safety of their workers and the communities they serve, she says.\\u201cWithout the delivery platform stepping up and taking greater responsibility, the powerful motivation and incentive to unsafe behaviour will always be present, and the problem of errant personal mobility devices on all public spaces will remain intractable.\\u201dPlatforms can and should do more, she adds.Mr Foo Cexiang (Tanjong Pagar GRC) agrees, adding that he hopes additional responsibilities do not lead to platform operators deciding to deprioritise or stop onboarding users.The Bill mandates platforms to ensure their workers are certified to use personal mobility devices.\\u201cIn fact, with the lower allowable speeds of such vehicles, it is even more important that our platform operators continue to support those with mobility challenges.\\u201dHe asks that the Government consider a seamless digital link between the Land Transport Authority\\u2019s registry and the platform operators to facilitate automatic verification. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Parliament has adjourned\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T18:20:23+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T18:20:23+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow asks for Parliament to adjourn and for the debate to continue tomorrow. Mr Louis Chua (Sengkang GRC) rises to deliver his adjournment motion, titled Making (Singapore) Equities Great Again. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"MPs ask if there can be exceptions to the need for medical certificates\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T18:18:53+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T18:18:53+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Several MPs ask if there can be exceptions to the new personal mobility aid (PMA) regulation that will require users to have a certificate of medical need.Mr Ng Shi Xuan (Sembawang GRC) acknowledges that the rule is well-intentioned, but says situations on the ground are rarely black and white.He cites examples of residents in his constituency who experience weakness due to medical complications and need to be ferried on such devices. Under the new rules, they may face penalties, he says.Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC) cites another category of users who may fall into gray areas: delivery riders who may not meet strict medical certification criteria, but have genuine mobility problems that make cycling or walking long distances very difficult.She asks what mobility issues would qualify users for the medical certificates, and if occupational factors can be considered for delivery riders who may experience joint pain or fatigue, but lack formal diagnoses.The Bill stipulates that such certificates must be issued by doctors, and Dr Choo Pei Ling (Chua Chu Kang GRC) asks why physiotherapists were excluded. While they are not doctors, they specialise in patients with mobility issues, and can prescribe wheelchairs and mobility aids.For those already under the care of physiotherapists, requiring a separate doctor consultation just to be certified may create duplication and inconvenience, she adds. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"MPs on enforcement-related issues behind new PMA regulations\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T17:35:33+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T18:12:25+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ms He Ting Ru (Sengkang GRC) seeks clarifications on how new personal mobility aid (PMA) regulations will be enforced, as well as how these policies were developed in conjunction with the active mobility advisory panel.She raises concerns about whether enforcement officers will identify potential rule-breakers based on \\u201ca casual visual perception of able-bodiedness\\u201d, rather than acting based on a clear rationale.Ms He adds that certified PMA users should not be subject to constant interruptions or compliance checks, or to vigilante justice in the form of passers-by leaping to hasty conclusions about whether or not a PMA user is indeed eligible.She says Singapore has to avoid perpetuating stigma related to PMA use, asking the Government how it proposes to ensure that misconceptions about disability are not further entrenched.Foo Cexiang (Tanjong Pagar) says that despite the new regulations on mobility devices, the potential lack of identification marks constrains enforcement.He says that an adequate presence on the ground will remain critical to enforcement efforts against those who do not register and continue to have no identification marks on their mobility vehicles.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"MPs raise concerns over spate of PMD-related fires\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T17:06:34+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T18:06:42+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Several MPs bring up a recent spate of fires involving personal mobility devices (PMDs) and active mobility devices (AMDs).WP chairwoman Sylvia Lim (Aljunied GRC) says the fires not only damage physical property but also affect residents of nearby units, who may suffer smoke inhalation injuries such as swollen eyes and airways, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning.Even after the fires subside, residents live with the fear that the next fire outside their door might leave them trapped, she adds.She cites the overnight charging of devices suspected of having non-compliant batteries, calling on the Land Transport Authority to take the lead in enforcement actions, especially for PMDs and AMDs found at HDB blocks where harm to many residents is most imminent.Ms Lim also asks how enforcement actions will change when the Bill becomes law.Dr Hamid Razak (West Coast-Jurong West GRC) suggests drawing up national guidelines that specify charging durations, designated charging zones and clear prohibitions against charging such devices in corridors, among other things.Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar GRC), meanwhile, recounts an interaction with a firefighter who shared how PMD-related fires can reignite, generate intense heat and spread rapidly, especially in confined spaces.Commending officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, he says prevention must remain the first line of defence in relation to these fires. He suggests going beyond banning non-UL2272 scooters to criminalising ownership of such devices.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Stricter rules for personal mobility aids from June 1: Baey Yam Keng\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T14:17:04+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T18:06:16+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"From June 1, the speed limit for mobility vehicles on public paths \\u2013 including mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs \\u2013 will be reduced from 10kmh to 6kmh, says Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng.Personal mobility aids on public paths must also abide by size and weight limits, he says, adding that users of mobility scooters have to be certified to have a medical need for the device.Mobility scooters will have to be checked for compliance and registered before they are sold, he says, adding that implementing the rule upstream reduces the likelihood of users obtaining non-compliant mobility scooters.These rules come amid more reports of able-bodied users misusing the vehicles, and people operating the devices at top speeds on public paths, posing a danger to others, says Mr Baey.PHOTO: ST FILE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"New Bill is a \\u2018missed opportunity\\u2019 to strengthen protections for workers carried on lorries: Melvin Yong\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T17:58:35+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T17:58:35+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"While the Bill is comprehensive and will make roads and paths safer, it is a missed opportunity to strengthen legislation to improve worker safety, says labour MP Melvin Yong (Radin Mas).He raises the plight of workers who are transported on the back of lorries, citing multiple traffic accidents that have happened to workers travelling this way over the years, including one last month on Jan 28 that put 12 workers in hospital.Mr Yong says accidents like this are a reminder that more needs to be done to improve workers\\u2019 safety.NTUC and the Migrant Workers\\u2019 Centre have called for restrictions on carrying workers and goods together on the back of lorries, and said this is a \\u201cforeseeable and preventable risk\\u201d that should be prohibited by law, he adds.\\u201cIdeally, we should use proper transportation, such as buses, to transport our workers to and from their work places. In the meantime, we should at the very least mandate seat belts to protect passengers from being flung out of the vehicle in the event of an accident,\\u201d he says. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Singapore will not introduce distance-based charging for ERP in the \\u2018immediate term\\u2019: Jeffrey Siow\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T14:06:54+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T16:46:49+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow says the intent is to ensure a smooth transition to the new Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, and this means the Government will not be introducing distance-based charging in the \\u201cimmediate term\\u201d.It will continue to study this method of charging and will explore it after motorists have gotten used to the new system and the situation is more stable, he says.He also thanks the 93 per cent of vehicle owners who have already installed the OBUs, and says the Land Transport Authority will issue a final reminder for those who have not done so.They will have another three months to install their OBUs at no cost. After that, OBU installation fees will apply.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"MPs from both parties raise concerns about new PMA speed limit\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T16:02:10+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T16:05:09+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"WP MPs Dennis Tan (Hougang) and Fadli Fawzi (Aljunied GRC), as well as PAP labour MP Yeo Wan Ling (Punggol GRC), raise concerns about the possible impacts of lowering the speed limit for personal mobility aids (PMAs) from 10kmh to 6kmh.Mr Tan says the 40 per cent reduction in speed limit will significantly increase seniors\\u2019 travel time and exposure to the elements.He asks the Government to clarify if any studies were done on these impacts, adding that such devices help seniors maintain mobility, independence and quality of life.Mr Fadli says the rapid rise in the use of such devices reflects the last-mile connectivity challenges many face.\\u201cSingaporeans rely on these informal, low-cost mobility solutions simply to get by and get on with their daily lives,\\u201d he adds, citing high certificate of entitlement prices for cars and motorcycles, which he says are pushing Singaporeans to PMAs.There have been genuine incidents involving reckless riding, excessive speeds and conflicts on footpaths, Mr Fadli says, but while these issues must be addressed, the Government must be careful not to inadvertently cause hardship to Singaporeans who rely on these devices out of necessity.Ms Yeo raises similar concerns, adding that the reduction in the speed limit will lengthen delivery times for riders, and fewer completed jobs will mean lower earnings.\\u201cThis illustrates the real tension we must address between improving safety and ensuring that riders who depend on this work are not pushed into financial hardship,\\u201d she says. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"MOE has no intention on scaling central kitchen model to all schools\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T13:51:36+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T15:26:10+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Several MPs raised issues pertaining to the implementation of a central kitchen model for school canteens and its relation to recent cases of gastroenteritis.Minister of State for Education and Digital Development Jasmin Lau says that the ministry has no intention to scale the Central Kitchen Meal Model (CKMM) to all schools, and will explore the model only in schools that face challenges in securing sufficient stallholders.Some 95 per cent of our schools continue with the longstanding approach of having canteen stalls.She adds that the ministry is also taking an open and flexible approach to other models, including paying stall owners if need be, with some schools using hybrid models where operators both deliver pre-ordered meals and prepare fresh food onsite.Mr Louis Chua (Sengkang GRC), Ms Rachel Ong (Tanjong Pagar GRC), Ms Lee Huiying (Nee Soon GRC) and Mr Foo Cexiang (Tanjong Pagar GRC) had asked whether help would be given to stall holders.Ms Lau says the Ministry of Education provides substantial support to stall holders as it believes that \\u201ctheir food and their presence can add to the positive school experience for our students\\u201d.Rentals for canteen stalls are capped at between $5 to $15 per month, and are also waived during school holidays when there are no customers. The MOE also seeks preferential electricity tariffs through demand aggregation, and the savings are passed to stall holders, she says.Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment Goh Hanyan says that since August 2025, the Singapore Food Agency has stepped up checks on central kitchens supplying school meals.In the event of a major food safety lapse, these kitchens will be downgraded upon completion of suspension or court conviction, and inspected more frequently.ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"18 PAP backbenchers to speak on Bill, to raise concerns on law\\u2019s impact on vulnerable groups: Tin Pei Ling \",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T15:11:07+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T15:11:07+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Ms Tin Pei Ling (Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC), chair of the Government Parliamentary Committee on Transport, rises to begin the debate.She gives an overview of the points the PAP\\u2019s backbenchers will raise over the course of the debate, adding that 18 of them intend to speak on the Bill.Their concerns will encompass practical implementation, costs and the impact on vulnerable groups, such as low-income groups and platform workers.She also raises several points of her own, including that while distance-based charging is fairer in principle, it risks disproportionately affecting those who earn their living on the road \\u2013 especially delivery riders and private-hire drivers.\\u201cIn the eventual situation in which distance-based ERP pricing is implemented, may I ask what measures will be in place to support these workers?\\u201d she asks. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"New offences for non-compliance on speed limiters: Sim Ann\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T15:09:36+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T15:09:36+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Existing offences surrounding the use of speed limiters on lorries are inadequate in deterring non-compliance, and new offences will be introduced to clear these gaps, says Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sim Ann.Speed limiters have been mandated for lorries since 2024 to mitigate the risks of heaving vehicles getting into accidents. Only authorised agents of the Traffic Police (TP) are allowed to install and service the limiters.Currently, only the driver commits an offence over driving a non-compliant lorry, says Ms Sim.The new laws will extend the scope of the offence to anyone who knowingly causes or permits the use of a non-compliant lorry, including the owner.In addition, all parties involved in tampering with speed limiters, including those who instruct others to do so, or offer to tamper with the limiters, will be held accountable under the proposed amendments.Authorised agents will also now be required to notify TP if they know or have reason to believe that a speed limiter has been tampered with or is non-compliant.This will enable prompt investigation and removal of non-compliant lorries from the roads, says Ms Sim.First-time offenders will now face a fine of up to $10,000, and subsequent offenders may face a fine amounting to $20,000. The imprisonment terms \\u2013 of up to three months for first-time offenders, and six months for subsequent offenders \\u2013 will be retained.Currently, the fine for a first-time offender goes up to $1,000, while the fine for a repeat offender can go up to $2,000.As at Jan 5, around 72 per cent of lorries required to have speed limiters have installed the devices. \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"PMA users must have medical certificate from June 1: Baey Yam Keng\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T14:47:07+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T14:47:07+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"From June 1, users of mobility scooters will be allowed to ride on public paths only if they are certified to have a medical need, says Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng.Those caught without a Certificate of Medical Need will face fines of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.The move is to curb misuse, and enforcement officers will focus on visibly able-bodied individuals misusing mobility scooters, says Mr Baey, noting that the authorities\\u2019 intention is not to inconvenience genuine users.But he acknowledges that some mobility challenges are not visible, and appeals for the understanding of mobility device users if enforcement officers check for their certification at times.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"yuenc\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"MPs raise concerns about cost and logistics of refund scheme for reusable drink containers\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T12:46:30+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T14:36:20+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Several MPs raise questions about how the beverage container return scheme will be administered and how consumers will be protected.Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang West) asks for an estimate of the additional manpower that will be needed to collect the containers and how consumers will be protected should the cost of drinks increase, while the WP\\u2019s Kenneth Tiong (Aljunied GRC) asks what percentage of household income the additional costs of reusable containers will be for lower-income families.The House is discussing the new scheme, which will from April 1 allow people to get a 10-cent refund to their ez-link cards for returning reusable beverage containers.Under the programme, customers will pay an additional 10 cents in refundable deposit for bottled and canned drinks ranging from 150ml to 3 litres. About 1,000 return points, comprising mainly machines, will be set up islandwide by April 1 when the scheme starts.In response, Dr Janil says the Government is prepared to exercise flexibility and that it will closely monitor beverage prices as the scheme is rolled out and expanded.\\u201cIf there is evidence of collusion or profiteering, there are mechanisms for that to be reported and to be dealt with. We will look to see what are the factors that have led to them.\\u201d\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"What to watch for today\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T11:00:59+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T14:19:06+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Rising rents in heritage areas: Two MPs have asked about the rising cost of rentals in heritage areas such as Chinatown and Kampong Glam. They want to know how the Government will support businesses and prevent them from being displaced. The Urban Redevelopment Authority has said that median rental rates in these areas have increased at a moderate rate over the past two years.Beverage container return scheme: Five MPs have asked about the scheme that allows people to get a 10-cent refund to their ez-link cards for returning reusable beverage containers. PAP MP Poh Li San has asked how the National Environment Agency will ensure that consumers know where vending machines under this scheme are. She also asked how it will ensure that stores sell only returnable beverage containers at a higher price. WP MP Kenneth Tiong asked what considerations have been given to lower-income households in this scheme.Central kitchen model: Seven MPs, including the WP\\u2019s Fadli Fawzi, have asked about the scheme and its relationship to gastroenteritis cases, such as the one at River Valley Primary School. MP Rachel Ong asked how the Government will engage food and beverage operators to reduce the shortage of operators in schools. Coastal Protection Bill: The Government will put in place laws to redefine the roles of stakeholders to safeguard land needed for coastal protection measures.Land transport Bill: This new Bill will make it illegal from mid-2026 to keep e-scooters that do not meet fire safety standards, even if they are not used. A Certificate of Medical Need will also be needed to drive or ride a mobility scooter on public paths, among other measures. Motor vehicles will have to be fitted with an on-board unit, with heavier penalties for illegally modified vehicles, and missed Electronic Road Pricing charges will be decriminalised.READ MORE HERE PHOTO: ST FILE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Impact of AI on skills training courses, entry-level PMET jobs\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T13:33:50+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T14:18:23+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Two questions were asked about the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on workers at different stages of their careers.Labour chief Ng Chee Meng (Jalan Kayu) had asked for details on take-up rates of AI-related skills training courses supported by SkillsFuture and if the Ministry of Education has targets on the number of workers who should go for such upskilling.There are no such targets, says Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Janil Puthucheary. However, Singaporeans are encouraged to pursue upskilling and lifelong learning to stay relevant, including by keeping abreast of AI and other developments.Nominated MP Terence Ho asks whether AI adoption is prompting employers to slow down the hiring of fresh graduates of institutes of higher learning (IHLs) in certain sectors or occupations, and whether the ministry has plans to help those facing such challenges.Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower Shawn Huang says that employment rates of fresh graduates from IHLs have remained broadly stable over the decade, with some fluctuations due to cyclical changes.Mr Huang says that while AI is reshaping the labour market, its specific impact on entry-level PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) jobs remains uncertain.He adds that IHLs are working closely with sector agencies and industry partners to keep their curriculum relevant, including by integrating AI competencies complemented by work-based learning programmes like the AI Apprenticeship Programme, which provides opportunities to apply AI skills in real workplace settings.PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"yuenc\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"OBUs mandatory for cross-border taxis, encouraged for foreign-registered vehicles \",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T14:06:03+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T14:13:46+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Malaysia-registered taxis are required to install OBUs as it is necessary for tracking and enforcement in Singapore, Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow says. This means that taxis under the cross-border scheme will be required to install OBUs in their vehicles.Mr Siow encourages foreign-registered private vehicles to install OBUs for usage-based charging when in Singapore. Short-term visit vehicle owners may opt to not do so and can pay a daily flat fee instead.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Fifty-nine large-scale vape smuggling cases detected in 2025\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T13:28:27+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T14:13:29+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Some 230,000 vapes and related components were seized in 2025, with 59 large-scale smuggling cases detected, says Minister of State for Health Rahayu Mahzam.In addition, more than 10,000 online advertisements on vape, including those found on messaging platforms, were removed in 2024 and 2025.About 99 per cent of online listings taken down were on foreign-linked sites such as Facebook, Telegram, WeChat, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. The remainder were from local sites Carousell and Lazada.She is responding to a question from Mr Jackson Lam (Nee Soon GRC), who asked about the effectiveness of blocking measures, among other things.Ms Rahayu says the cross-border vape supply chains were disrupted through intelligence sharing between the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Central Narcotics Bureau and Singapore Police Force, as well as their foreign counterparts.Meanwhile, the Health Sciences Authority works with social media platforms to remove online listings of vape while working with the Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Online Criminal Harms Act Office to block vape websites from targeting local users.ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"New OBUs will be mandatory from January 2027\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T13:56:45+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T14:07:21+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Installing the new on-board units (OBUs) will be mandatory for all Singapore-registered vehicles from Jan 1, 2027, says Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.This will coincide with the roll-out of the ERP 2 system as the new toll system uses satellite technology rather than gantries, he says.It will also be an offence to tamper with or modify OBUs, or to provide or advertise services on them without authorisation, Mr Siow adds.For serious cases of deliberate non-compliance or misuse this will carry penalties of up to $20,000 or imprisonment of up to two years or both.The roll-out of the new OBUs, which replaced the older in-vehicle units, began at the end of 2023. PHOTO: ST FILE\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Question time ends\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T13:52:33+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T14:00:52+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow starts to introduce new laws on land transport that contain updates to several systems, including electronic road pricing.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"MOE has to operate within resource constraints in deciding class sizes: Desmond Lee\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T13:26:30+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T13:39:26+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"The Ministry of Education (MOE) has to operate within constraints and does not operate its budget independently of other ministries or Singapore\\u2019s needs, says Education Minister Desmond Lee.Answering questions on class sizes in schools here from several MPs, Mr Lee adds that MOE has to balance these constraints and the opportunities it chooses to pursue to achieve its goals of holistic student development and helping educators manage their workloads.\\u201cIf we were to increase the number of teachers, then we need to operate within the constraints of the impact on other important sectors that serve society,\\u201d he adds.He cites an upcoming series of conversations that his ministry has announced to solicit views from Singaporeans as it relooks the \\u201carms race\\u201d in schools here.\\u201cIt\\u2019s not just about ed tech and tools, but how do we reimagine teaching in an era where artificial intelligence can do certain things, do more things, and how can people remain on top as masters of technology?\\u201d\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Government agencies to cease use of partial NRIC numbers for identification: Jasmin Lau \",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T12:51:11+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T13:19:30+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Government agencies are moving away from the use of partial NRIC numbers to identify people, says Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Jasmin Lau.Where individuals must be identified accurately, agencies are starting to use the full NRIC number instead, such as in official documents like licences and employment letters issued by the Government. Otherwise, most agencies have stopped using the NRIC number completely, she adds in response to a question from Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Changi GRC).He had asked about the progress made to ensure the appropriate use of NRIC numbers across both public and private sector transactions.The policy shift away from regarding NRIC numbers as sensitive information happened after such numbers were revealed by mistake on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority\\u2019s Bizfile web portal on Dec 9, 2024.Since then, the Government has been taking steps to ensure the proper use of NRIC numbers across the public and private sectors.On Feb 2, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) said private organisations that have not phased out the use of NRIC numbers for authentication will risk breaching the Personal Data Protection Act from Jan 1, 2027. Government agencies had stopped doing so a year ago.Following this, the PDPC would step up enforcement action, including imposing directions or financial penalties for such breaches where appropriate.READ MORE HEREST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Ian Cheng\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Pritam Singh moved to new seat in Parliament\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T11:21:37+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T13:18:35+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Workers\\u2019 Party chief Pritam Singh will no longer sit directly opposite Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Parliament, following Mr Singh\\u2019s removal as Leader of the Opposition.He will now sit two seats down, opposite Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies.Mr Christopher de Souza, who is also Deputy Speaker of Parliament, will occupy the seat across the aisle from PM Wong.On either side of Mr de Souza are PAP MPs Xie Yao Quan \\u2013 who is also Deputy Speaker \\u2013 and Vikram Nair, who is MP for Sembawang GRC. READ MORE HEREPHOTO: PARLIAMENT OF SINGAPORE \",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"diviya\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Parliament opens\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T12:05:42+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T13:05:47+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng says he has received a letter from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and reads it out.The letter says PM Wong wishes to inform Parliament that Workers\\u2019 Party chief Pritam Singh\\u2019s designation as Leader of the Opposition (LO) has ceased and that the position will remain vacant until the WP nominates another \\u201csuitable elected MP to take on this responsibility\\u201d.Mr Seah adds that Mr Singh\\u2019s designation as LO ended on Jan 15, 2026.He then moves on to question time. First up is Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Janil Puthucheary, who is answering questions about a new scheme to refund reusable drink containers.\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"\\u2018Small proportion\\u2019 of shophouse leases in Kampong Gelam saw higher rental increases of 25% or more: Syed Harun\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T12:46:58+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T13:02:05+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"While the median rents of historic shophouses in Kampong Gelam have increased at a \\u201cmoderate pace\\u201d, there was also a \\u201csmall proportion\\u201d of leases signed between 2023 and 2025 that saw higher increases of 25 per cent or higher.Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development Syed Harun Alhabsyi gives these stats in response to questions from Ms Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC) on how the Ministry of National Development has determined the rate of rental increase in the historical area.He does not elaborate on how many such leases were signed or what proportion of the area was affected.However, he notes that these included leases in streets with high footfall, such as Haji Lane and Bali Lane.\\u201cSome of these leases were previously contracted at below market rates, and therefore, subsequent to that, they may have experienced a larger increase from their low base when the rates normalised towards the prevailing market rate,\\u201d he says.Notwithstanding the rental increases, their rental rates remained at around 20 per cent to 60 per cent below that of conventional retail spaces in the central area as a whole, he adds. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO\",\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Straits Times\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"ngweikai\"}},{\"@type\":\"BlogPosting\",\"headline\":\"Welcome to our Parliament live blog \",\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-03T10:51:47+08:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-03T10:56:19+08:00\",\"articleBody\":\"Hi everyone, welcome to our live blog dedicated to covering Parliament. 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