HDB's Role in Ensuring Fire Safety at Coffee Shops and Eating Houses, and Fire Insurance Requirements Imposed on Stallholders

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development (a) what role does HDB perform in ensuring fire safety at coffee shops and eating houses within HDB blocks; and (b) what are the respective fire insurance requirements imposed on operators of businesses and on individual stallholders.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) works closely with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) on fire safety matters for coffee shops within HDB blocks. Before commencing renovations, coffee shop operators are required to engage a qualified person and submit their fire safety plans to SCDF for approval, as well as their renovation drawings to HDB for approval. Before occupation is allowed, the operator must obtain a Fire Safety Certificate from SCDF.

After operations have commenced, HDB conducts annual fire safety inspections and advises operators on good fire safety practices. Operators are also required to submit kitchen exhaust system servicing reports when renewing their tenancy or outdoor refreshment area licence. This ensures that kitchen exhaust ducts are properly maintained and cleaned, reducing the risk of grease build-up that can cause fires to spread. These checks are in addition to SCDF's scheduled and unannounced inspections of these premises.

On fire insurance, owners of privately-owned HDB shops are required under the terms of their lease with HDB to purchase basic fire insurance. Tenants of shops let out by HDB are required to take up fire insurance for HDB's fixtures and fittings, and public liability insurance of at least $1,000,000. Non-compliance may result in non-renewal or termination of tenancy.