AED Installation in New Estates Such as Tengah
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in new estates like Tengah, with Dr Choo Pei Ling inquiring about installation timelines and interim emergency preparedness measures. Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Ms Sim Ann stated that installation requires completed infrastructural and security works, such as installing closed-circuit televisions to deter AED theft. Currently, 29 AEDs are installed in Tengah, with 11 more arriving by February 2026 to cover 70% of occupied blocks, while further installations will continue throughout 2026. Interim measures include community emergency preparedness events like Community Resilience Days and MyNiceHome roadshows, organised by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, People's Association, and Housing and Development Board. Senior Minister of State Ms Sim Ann also encouraged participation in the My Responder Plus programme and engagement with Community Emergency and Engagement Committees to enhance residents' life-saving skills.
Transcript
8 Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what preparatory steps are required before Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can be installed in newly developed estates such as Tengah; (b) what is the estimated timeline for AED installation in Tengah estate, and how it compares with other HDB precincts; and (c) what interim measures are in place to support emergency preparedness in new estates pending AED deployment.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Ms Sim Ann) (for the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, prior to installing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in new estates, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) would need to ensure that the relevant infrastructural and security works are completed. This includes having closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) in the vicinity to deter AED theft.
Twenty-nine AEDs have been installed in Tengah estate to date; 11 more will be installed by February 2026. This will cover about 70% of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) blocks in Tengah where residents have already moved in. Installation will continue in 2026.
To equip residents with fire safety knowledge and life-saving skills, SCDF organises community emergency preparedness events, such as Community Resilience Days and MyNiceHome roadshows, in partnership with the People's Association and HDB. Several of these events have already been held in Tengah in recent months.
Mr Speaker: Dr Choo Pei Ling.
Dr Choo Pei Ling (Chua Chu Kang): Thank you, Speaker. And thank you, Senior Minister of State, for the assuring responses. I have one supplementary question. Tengah is Singapore's first town built entirely anew in over 20 years. Timely access to life-saving equipment, like AEDs, is critical. May I ask, what further measures can be implemented to strengthen emergency preparedness in Tengah while awaiting full AED deployment?
Ms Sim Ann: Sir, in addition to the programmes that I have mentioned earlier, there is also the "My Responder Plus" programme, which is run by SCDF, which the community can partner SCDF in organising for residents. And at the same time, I also encourage the community to work very closely with their Community Emergency and Engagement Committees, because they can also partner SCDF in organising activities and programmes that help to equip residents with life-saving skills.