PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND T.B. TREATMENT ALLOWANCES (Stopping of payments to non-citizens)

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Culture and Social Affairs in how many cases were payments of public assistance and T.B. Treatment Allowances stopped, because the recipients were found to be non-citizens, following the introduction of the new laminated identity cards.

Inche Othman Bin Wok: As from 24th June, 1959, all new cases of recipients of public assistance have been confined only to Singapore citizens. However, between the period of 5th May, 1966, when new laminated identity cards were introduced, and 30th September, 1967, 460 cases of assistance were withdrawn from the public assistance scheme as they were non-citizens.

As for T.B. Treatment Allowances, there is no case of stoppage of such an allowance to non-citizens during the period 5th May, 1966, to 30th September, 1967, as all recipients of this allowance are confined only to Singapore citizens.

Mr Ang Nam Piau (Thomson): Can the Minister say what amount of money has been saved during the period stated?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: It is not easy to give the exact figure. But in the 460 cases, taking an average of $36 per case a month, this will work out to approximately $18,500 per month.

Inche Mahmud Awang (Kampong Kapor): (In Malay): If there are people in possession of blue identity cards who were born in Singapore but who have not reported to the Registrar that they were born in Singapore, will the Minister then consider such cases?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, each case will be investigated fully, and if a person can prove that he was born in Singapore, then his application will be considered.