Applications Filed under Sections 126A and 126B of Women's Charter 1961 since January 2025

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many applications have been filed under sections 126A and 126B of the Women's Charter 1961 since 2 January 2025; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider extending the graduated enforcement remedies under section 126B to parents whose custody or care and control orders are breached under section 126A.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Since the enhanced Enforcement of Child Access Orders (ECAO) measures came into force on 2 January 2025, there have been 53 applications under section 126B of the Women's Charter as at 31 July 2026. The Family Justice Courts does not capture data on number of applications filed under section 126A of the Women's Charter.

The enhanced ECAO measures under section 126B broadened the enforcement regime for child access to improve its effectiveness and incorporate less confrontational measures. We will continue to study the effectiveness of these measures and whether a broader range of enforcement measures should be extended under section 126A.