Clarification by Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This clarification concerns a factual correction by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi regarding fire safety standards and temporary occupancy caps for private residences. He reiterated that safety standards remain sufficient even with the temporary higher occupancy cap permitted for larger private residential estates. The correction specifies that these higher occupancy rates apply to properties of at least 90 square metres, correcting a previous statement that cited 90 square kilometres. This specific floor area is identified as being the equivalent size of a typical four-room Housing and Development Board flat. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi submitted this formal statement to ensure the accuracy of the Official Report.
Transcript
The following statement was made in a speech given by the Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi) during Question Time at the Sitting of 25 February 2026:
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi): I thank the Member for her supplementary questions. First of all, I would reiterate what I answered earlier: in terms of the standards as far as fire safety is concerned, they remain sufficient even with the temporary higher occupancy cap for larger private residential estates.
Just a few points with regard to the allowability of higher occupancy rates. They are only applicable for larger private residential properties, at least 90 square kilometres. And that is the equivalent size of a typical four-room Housing and Development Board flat. [Please refer to "Review of Fire Safety and Evacuation Risks Following Temporary Relaxation of Occupancy Cap for Private Residences", Official Report, 25 February 2026, Vol 96, Issue 19, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
Written statement by Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi circulated with the leave of the Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order No. 29(5):
I wish to make the following factual correction to my reply given during the Sitting of 25 February 2026. My statement should read as follows:
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi): I thank the Member for her supplementary questions. First of all, I would reiterate what I answered earlier: in terms of the standards as far as fire safety is concerned, they remain sufficient even with the temporary higher occupancy cap for larger private residential estates.
Just a few points with regard to the allowability of higher occupancy rates. They are only applicable for larger private residential properties, at least 90 square metres. And that is the equivalent size of a typical four-room Housing and Development Board flat.