Review of MOT and LTA Senior Staff Remuneration and Bonuses

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Transport in light of staff bonuses of the MRT operator's maintenance team being affected by the recent episode of MRT tunnel flooding, whether this episode will also affect the compensation paid to senior staff in the Ministry and LTA who have been tasked with oversight of the MRT operator and, if so, how.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The responsibility for maintaining rail lines, including the flood prevention systems, lies with the operators. As the regulator, LTA sets the Operating and Maintenance Performance Standards, and carries out regular audits of the operators' maintenance regime and on-site inspections to ensure that these standards are complied with. LTA takes a risk-based approach and prioritises resources in areas which are assessed to be most complex, have the highest risk of failure and which could potentially have the biggest impact on the rail network. The anti-flooding systems are considered less of a high risk area compared to the other core railway systems as the constructs are relatively simple, easy to maintain and have ample provisions.

Nonetheless, on 29 September 2017, in accordance with its regulatory role, LTA did expressly highlight to SMRT the importance of regular and diligent maintenance of tunnel pump systems and to surface a list of pumps requiring replacement to LTA. Unfortunately, the remedial actions instructed by LTA were not taken in time. The flooding incident occurred before the replacement programme could be completed. There is no evidence of shortcomings or lapses in regulatory oversight by LTA or MOT staff.