Phrases used by parrots: "...everyone has a part to play...", "...play their part..."

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Residents are strongly encouraged to do their part to maintain a safe and pleasant living environment by keeping corridors free of clutter."

Forum: Multi-pronged approach to tackle issue of corridor clutter​

Dec 17, 2024

We thank Mr Mohamad Nurhafiz Mohd Noor for his letter “Govt must act firmly against residents who break rules in HDB estates” (Dec 11).

Town councils are responsible for managing the common areas within HDB estates. They are empowered under the Town Councils Act to enact by-laws to regulate the use of common areas, including by-laws that prohibit the excessive placement of objects that may cause obstruction at common corridors.

The town councils conduct regular checks and act on feedback on cluttering at common corridors.

Residents who flout the town councils’ by-laws can be fined up to $5,000.

The Government also adopts a multi-pronged approach to tackle the issue of corridor clutter. The Singapore Civil Defence Force works closely with town councils to rectify or remove fire hazards such as discarded items or obstructions in common areas.

If the fire hazards are not rectified, enforcement action will be taken against the town councils. HDB also conducts inspections to ensure that HDB estates are well-managed. Reports from these inspections are sent to town councils for their follow-up.

To promote good neighbourliness and inspire more neighbourly acts in our heartland, HDB has in place initiatives such as the Good Neighbours Movement.


HDB also works with the Singapore Kindness Movement to roll out public education campaigns, such as reels on social media to promote gracious living which includes keeping corridors uncluttered.

Residents can report cases of corridor clutter on the OneService app, which will be routed to their town councils for follow-up. Residents are strongly encouraged to do their part to maintain a safe and pleasant living environment by keeping corridors free of clutter.

Liu Chen
Senior Director, Housing
Ministry of National Development

 

[k1976]

Everybody play their part??
Sounds like play own karcheng or LJ or pussy?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"To ensure a sustainable healthcare ecosystem, all parties need to play a part in making quality healthcare affordable and accessible."

Forum: Sustaining affordable healthcare is a shared responsibility​

Jun 30, 2025

We refer to the Forum letter “Insurers’ restriction of patient choice undermines trust in system” (June 19) and wish to provide context on pre-authorisation and panel doctors.

To ensure a sustainable healthcare ecosystem, all parties need to play a part in making quality healthcare affordable and accessible. Insurers and patients are payers of healthcare services. Healthcare providers who recommend treatments and charges must do so responsibly to manage healthcare inflation.

The year-on-year increase in medical costs is untenable, and Integrated Shield Plan (IP) insurers will continue to be proactive in introducing measures to ensure patients continue to receive quality care while balancing the collective needs of policyholders to keep premiums affordable.


Ultimately, policyholders bear the brunt when medical and claims costs escalate. This is why IP insurers regularly review claims data and update their practices, measures and controls to ensure a sustainable healthcare system.

Pre-authorisation and panel doctors were among measures recommended by the multilateral Health Insurance Task Force in 2016 to address escalating healthcare costs.

Pre-authorisation is a service – not a contractual clause – that gives policyholders assurance that their treatment will be covered when deemed fair and medically necessary. Not all IP insurers offer this service, and, where it is limited to selected hospitals, it is often due to cost or implementational considerations. The absence of pre-authorisation does not restrict a policyholder’s choice of healthcare provider.

Besides pre-authorisation, policyholders may apply for an electronic letter of guarantee as a waiver of deposit, reducing the need for upfront payment.


Panel doctors provide quality treatment at pre-agreed rates, and policyholders may enjoy additional benefits such as lower co-payments. The introduction of panel doctors has reduced instances of over-treatment and over-charging, helping to ensure a more sustainable healthcare system for all.

Despite rising premiums, the total IP portfolio continues to operate at single-digit gross margin and sometimes at a loss. The insurance industry is committed to policyholders’ interests and to communicate any changes to benefits and coverage.


We urge all parties – including doctors, hospitals, government agencies and patients – to work collaboratively in managing healthcare costs to ensure continued access to quality healthcare in Singapore.

Chan Wai Kit

Executive Director
Life Insurance Association, Singapore

 

[k1976]

Public flogging pls.....

Show us u were not afraid of flogging some white man ass and show amdk lands that u possess the iron necessary to rule Singapore just like old fart did many years ago.

Ahhh…”Play their part” during left right hand session in toilet?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

" All road users must play their part to create a safe road environment for everyone."

Forum: Early installation of speed limiters for lorries encouraged​

Jan 28, 2025, 05:00 AM

We thank Mr Foo Sing Kheng for his letter “

No excuse to wait till last minute to install speed limiters

”, (Jan 14). The Traffic Police (TP) shares Mr Foo’s concern about the slow implementation by lorry owners.


Speed limiters improve driving behaviour and hence road safety. Along with enforcement and infrastructure improvements, they will reduce fatalities and injuries among road users. It is particularly important for larger and heavier vehicles like lorries not to speed, given the higher risks they pose to everyone.

TP strongly urges all lorry owners to install the speed limiters early, well ahead of the deadlines. Since July 2024, TP has sent 7,000 SMS reminders to lorry owners whose lorries are covered under the new regulations, and will continue to do so. TP has also been reminding lorry owners through other channels, including at events.


By installing the speed limiters early, lorry owners will avoid a last-minute rush, and the risk that they will not be able to get a slot with an authorised workshop for the installation before the deadlines, or a slot which is convenient for them.

Lorry owners who fail to comply by the deadlines will be committing an offence, and their lorries will fail their periodic inspection. TP will also be checking lorries on the road, and those found operating without the required speed limiters after the deadlines will face strict enforcement action.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. All road users must play their part to create a safe road environment for everyone. We urge lorry owners to care for other road users who might be endangered by speeding lorries, and to arrange to install the speed limiters as soon as possible.

Lin Zhihao (Superintendent)
Superintendent of Police
Assistant Director (Media Relations Division)
Public Affairs Department
Singapore Police Force

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

SFA is the early contender for Parrot of the Year Award 2025:

"SFA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and reminded: "Food safety is a joint responsibility."

"While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices. Food operators should also ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained."

SFA said it takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices. As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence has been obtained."


Jan 31, 2025

Cherlynn Ng
Submitted by Stomper
Khoo, Milton
He was having dinner at Beauty World Food Centre when he spotted a rat defecating near him.

Stomper Milton was so disgusted by the incident on Jan 14 that he reported it to the authorities.

Raising concerns about a "massive, uncontrolled rodent infestation," Milton said: "I spotted a rat defecating into one of the stalls on a pipeline of the food centre when I was having my dinner there. Another rather large one was stuck above the false ceiling of the Pink Candy Korean Restaurant stall.


"I instantly felt disgusted and sickened, and wondered if any of those droppings had entered food that was being prepared at the various stalls below.

"I also noticed that hordes of rats would crawl to and from the metal pipes, wire cables casings and into a garden located on level 5.


"This is the worst hawker centre of our country, in terms of hygiene standards. It resembles more like a hawker in neighbouring Johor Bahru than in Singapore!"

In response to a Stomp query, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it conducted a joint inspection at the hawker centre with the National Environment Agency (NEA).

SFA told Stomp on Jan 31: "Preliminary investigation found signs of rat harbourage at the ceiling and the common area of Beauty World Food Centre.

"NEA will take enforcement action upon confirmation of rat infestation detected, and the building management and managing agent of the food centre have been advised to enhance their pest control measures based on the findings.

"Stallholders have been reminded to ensure food is kept in rat-proof containers, properly bag their refuse before disposal and to keep their stalls clean of food scraps so as to prevent easy access to food by the rats."

Stomper Khoo shared a letter that the building's management sent to stall operators about the infestation and "extensive rodent droppings throughout the premises."

The Jan 23 letter requested stall operators to remove their items from common spaces to prevent further rodent activity, as well as "eliminate potential food sources and breeding grounds".

SFA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and reminded: "Food safety is a joint responsibility.

"While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices. Food operators should also ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained."

Members of the public who have concerns about food safety practices by food operators should report to SFA via its online feedback form.

SFA said it takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices. As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence has been obtained.

This is not the first time Beauty World Food Centre has sparked hygiene concerns. Milton noted that there have been at least two incidents reported in the news.

One case involved cockroaches being seen running rampant at a fruit juice stall at the hawker centre in April 2023, with its owner crying sabotage.

The second case was in May 2023, when SFA took enforcement action against Indian food stall DHABA 1376 for food safety lapses following another Stomper's feedback.

In 2023, Stomp also received five separate complaints against a Korean food stall at the hawker centre regarding safety hazards and cleanliness.

 

[oliverlee]

everyone has a part to play. yeah play with your lanjiao or your clit

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

"Everyone can play a part in creating a conducive and pleasant environment for all park users to enjoy."

Forum: Park users should be considerate so as to create a pleasant environment for others​

May 12, 2025

We thank the writer for her feedback in the letter “Enjoying East Coast Park when group started to sing loudly near us” (May 7).

Our parks and gardens are shared spaces for everyone who may choose to visit for a variety of reasons, such as to exercise, relax or for social activities like picnics and barbecues.

To maintain a positive experience for everyone, all park users should be considerate of others and practise good park etiquette. This includes keeping noise levels low by not playing loud music and keeping the area clean by not littering. Our staff and security officers will also remind park users about this, where necessary.


Everyone can play a part in creating a conducive and pleasant environment for all park users to enjoy.

Chia Seng Jiang
Group Director, Parks
National Parks Board

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Singapore Food Agency: “While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.”

FairPrice apologises after worm found in salmon bought from Bedok North outlet​

Aug 19, 2025

SINGAPORE – FairPrice Group has apologised after a woman said she found a worm in a piece of salmon she bought from one of its Bedok North outlets and later cooked at home.

In a statement on Aug 19, the supermarket chain said it was investigating the matter with its supplier.

The incident has also been reported to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), which is carrying out its own investigation.

The woman, who wanted to be known only as Liz, told The Straits Times that she had bought a discounted packet of salmon with bones on Aug 12.

According to a receipt seen by ST, she bought four items at about 11.25pm on Aug 12, including three packets of xiao bai cai – a type of Chinese cabbage – and the salmon. The bill came up to $5.47.

Her mother cooked the salmon on Aug 15, and Liz ate it later that night. She realised something was wrong only while eating.

“I think my folks didn’t eat the fried salmon bones, I ate 2½ pieces. The last half was the part with the worm,” she said, adding that the worm appeared to be white and “very long”. She later measured it at 6.5cm with a ruler.
Liz, who is in her 40s and works in process transformation, said she experienced bloating after the meal but did not consult a doctor as she felt fine otherwise.

In response to queries, SFA said it is looking into the incident.

“Food safety is a joint responsibility,” the agency said. “While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.”

A FairPrice Group spokesperson said: “We apologise for the inconvenience and alarm caused to our customer and have reached out to address her concerns.”

The spokesperson added that the company takes food safety and quality seriously, and that food sold at FairPrice supermarkets is safe for consumption if handled and cooked appropriately at home.

It is also important to note that products should be consumed before their stipulated Use By date, the spokesman said, as consuming them past their expiry may compromise food safety.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Even minister K Shanmugam is a parrot:

“Fire safety is a collective responsibility. We must work together, each doing our part, to keep our homes fire-safe,” he said.

There were 22 AMD-related fires in Housing Board flats in 2024, compared with 20 in 2023 and 19 in 2022.

Summary

• Non-compliant active mobility devices (AMDs) are causing severe fires, with 187 AMD-related fires in the last five years, half occurring during charging.
• Stricter enforcement, including tougher penalties, is being considered for those who use or sell non-compliant AMDs as they endanger lives.
• Home fire alarm devices are being installed in HDB flats to improve fire safety awareness and response.

AI generated

Sep 23, 2025

SINGAPORE –The recent fires involving active mobility devices (AMDs) are a significant area of concern for the authorities, who are considering tougher action against sellers and users of non-compliant devices.

Such devices pose significant safety risks, and those who use or sell them knowingly endanger the lives of their families and neighbours, said Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam.

He was responding in a written reply on Sept 22 to parliamentary questions from Mr Cai Yinzhou (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) about fires involving such devices.


Fires in HDB estates have generally been on the decline, from 939 in 2020 to 803 in 2024, said Mr Shanmugam. But fires cause major disruptions leading to the loss of assets and lives, and most of them could have been prevented.

He said there have been 187 fires involving AMDs over the last five years.

Of these, about 46 per cent involved personal mobility devices (PMDs), 42 per cent involved power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and 12 per cent involved personal mobility aids (PMAs).

Mr Shanmugam said 98 of these fires, or about half, happened during charging of the devices.

There were 22 AMD-related fires in HDB flats in 2024, compared with 20 in 2023 and 19 in 2022.

There were also 21 such fires in the common areas of HDB estates in 2024, compared with 14 in 2023 and 11 in 2022.

He said: “Although such fires form a small proportion of fires in HDB estates, AMD-related fires are typically more severe and more likely to result in fatalities and injuries. We are especially concerned about non-compliant AMDs.

“We are considering tougher enforcement action to send a stronger deterrent signal that the use or sale of non-compliant AMDs poses significant safety risks.”

Mr Shanmugam added: “These individuals are knowingly endangering not just the lives of their family but the lives of their neighbours as well.”

On Aug 13, two people died and four residents of Block 106 Jalan Bukit Merah were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a fourth-floor unit at about 4pm.


The blaze is believed to have started from a PMD battery pack, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in a Facebook post on Aug 14.

On Aug 13, two people died and four residents of Block 106 Jalan Bukit Merah were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a fourth-floor unit.

ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

On Aug 22, three people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a 12th-floor unit at Block 63 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh at 2.30am. SCDF later said the fire involved a PMA.

Since June 2021, businesses and individuals have had to obtain approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to import PABs and PMDs into Singapore. These devices must meet the UL2272 and EN15194 standards for PMDs and PABs, respectively, to manage fire safety risks.

There are currently no commonly recognised international fire safety standards for PMAs, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow in a separate reply.

But LTA is monitoring the development of international standards.

Despite these safety measures, some people are choosing to intentionally flout regulations and sell non-compliant devices, or modify their previously compliant devices and make them unsafe, said Mr Shanmugam.

In the past three years, 77 of the AMD-related fires in HDB estates involved such non-compliant devices. Mr Shanmugam said this is why LTA has stepped up regulatory measures and enforcement against the sale or use of non-compliant AMDs.

Between 2020 and 2024, LTA detected more than 6,000 cases of non-compliant AMDs on public paths and roads, and more than 100 violations by errant retailers.

A recent raid of a shop in Aljunied suspected of selling non-compliant AMDs led to the seizure of 11 illegal devices.

Those caught using non-compliant AMDs will have their devices seized and can be jailed for up to six months and fined $10,000.

Those caught selling such devices for use on public paths can be jailed for up to 24 months and fined up to $40,000.

The punishments are doubled for repeat offenders.

There have been at least eight fire-related deaths in 2025 so far, compared with three in 2023 and five in 2024.


At an event in August, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said battery packs from some AMDs and electrical faults
were the likely causes of a spate of residential fires.

Mr Shanmugam said more is being done to help home owners better respond to fires.

In 2018, it became mandatory for all new residential premises, including community care apartments, to have home fire alarm devices (HFADs).

Mr Shanmugam said that for existing residential premises, the devices are mandated only if fire safety-related addition and alteration works were carried out.

The devices are also installed as part of fire safety works under the Home Improvement Programme in cases where fire-rated doors are installed.

He said seniors who wish to install HFADs in their homes can enjoy a subsidy of up to 95 per cent.


More than 80 per cent of public rental flats already have the devices installed, and HDB will progressively install them in the remaining 20 per cent for free.

Mr Shanmugam said that as at June, HFADs have been installed in about 191,000 HDB flats. Of these, 74,000, or one in three, were built before 2018.

While the Government continues to review its policies, programmes and regulations, the best defence against a home fire is still the home owner, he added.

The minister noted that a residential fire safety campaign, Better Awareness, Safer Homes, will be launched to increase public awareness of the top causes of residential fires and encourage home owners to evaluate potential home fire hazards.

“Fire safety is a collective responsibility. We must work together, each doing our part, to keep our homes fire-safe,” he said.