Update on Police Efforts to Tackle Bullying and Assault Incidents Outside Temples along Waterloo Mall
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng’s inquiry into police efforts to address bullying and assault incidents near Waterloo Mall temples, where illegal hawking and begging are prevalent. Senior Minister of State Ms Sim Ann stated that the Singapore Police Force conducts regular patrols and joint operations with agencies like the Singapore Land Authority to maintain order. She emphasized that public disorder is not tolerated and that any committed crimes will lead to investigation and enforcement action. For cases involving vulnerable individuals where no crime is committed, the Ministry works closely with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and other agencies. These collaborative efforts aim to manage the area's complex social dimensions while ensuring the protection of victims and the effective enforcement of the law.
Transcript
10 Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs whether the Ministry can provide an update on the police efforts to patrol and effectively eradicate the bullying and assault incidents outside the temples along Waterloo Mall where illegal hawking is rife.
The Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs (Ms Sim Ann) (for the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs): Sir, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) conducts regular patrols in the vicinity of the temples along Waterloo Street, especially during high congregation periods such as religious festivals. If they come across cases of bullying or assault, they will take action accordingly.
The SPF has also participated in joint operations with agencies like the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Singapore Food Agency. The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) are also involved when there are incidents involving charitable organisations or vulnerable individuals.
The regular presence of these agencies in the area has helped to largely maintain order in the area.
Mr Speaker: Ms Phua.
Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng (Jalan Besar): I thank the Senior Minister of State for the response. I first want to thank all the agencies' officers on the ground, from the Police from SLA, from the National Environment Agency (NEA), from MSF, and even the grassroots who look after the ground there. Because indeed the area that is along the Waterloo Mall, where lots of temples are, is a very popular place for peddling, legal or not legal, and also for begging as well. But because of the bullying and assault episodes, they often involve the vulnerable, both bullies and the bullied. SPF tends to adopt a light touch, I guess for worry of public criticisms. I just want to know what can the Ministry do more of to support these officers so that we can protect the interests of especially those who are bullied, and also seek the understanding of the public, even if the bullies are themselves vulnerable or disabled.
Bullying is bullying. Assault is assault. So, I wonder if more support and understanding for things that can be done to seek more support from the public so that the police officers can do their job even more effectively.
Ms Sim Ann: I thank the Member for her supplementary questions. Please allow me to be clear. On behalf of the Police, public disorder cannot be tolerated or condoned and indeed, if crimes have been committed, then investigation and enforcement has to follow.
In this case, there are different dimensions of what is happening in the Waterloo Street area and the Member herself is also very familiar. And for the cases of conduct where there is no outright crime being committed, but nevertheless may attract some attention, they could be vulnerable individuals involved. And in this case, it is important for us to work closely with our sister agencies. This includes the MSF and also the other agencies that I have mentioned.