SCOOTERISTS, MOTOR-CYCLISTS AND PILLION-RIDERS (Legislation for compulsory use of crash helmets)

Mr J. F. Conceicao asked the Minister for Communications if he will consider introducing legislation to make it compulsory for scooterists, motorcyclists and pillion-riders to wear crash helmets.

Mr Yong Nyuk Lin: It is somewhat early to contemplate legislation for the compulsory wearing of crash helmets for scooterists, motor-cyclists and pil lion-riders, because whether there is, in fact, an adequate supply of approved types of crash helmets and, what is important, at reasonable prices available in Singapore has yet to be determined. In the meantime, we will continue to encourage riders to wear crash helmets voluntarily to protect themselves against fatal accidents.

The Member for Katong will recall that in August this year I appointed a Transport Advisory Board with very wide terms of reference to study ways and means on how to improve the public transport service of Singapore. One of the members of the Transport Advisory Board is representing the National Safety First Council of Singapore, which body has been strongly advocating the compulsory use of crash helmets. He has been advised to raise this subject for consideration by the Transport Advisory Board. When this 'Board is in a position to submit their recommendations on the subject, I will be in a better position to reply to the question now posed by the hon Member.