MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS

SOCIAL SERVICES

The Aged

Legislation to control the operation and management of private welfare homes is under consideration. Minimum standards for care of inmates and cleanliness of homes will be imposed, and ancillary services provided.

Vocational Rehabilitation of the Disabled

A United Nations expert on Vocational Rehabilitation of the Disabled has submitted recommendations on the vocational assessment, training, guidance and placement of handicapped persons. His recommendations are under consideration and will form the basis of proposals to assist handicapped persons to become self-supporting.

Community Probation Service

The Ministry will recruit and train more volunteers for the Community Probation Service to supplement the work of Probation Officers. Five batches of volunteers have been trained, and a sixth batch will start training in March 1975. To make them more effective, the Ministry is considering vesting these volunteers with statutory powers of supervision.

CONTROL OVER INSTITUTIONS AND SERVICES

Curbs on Moneylending Malpractices

The Moneylenders Act and Regulations are being reviewed for more stringent control over moneylending activities. Heavier penalties will be imposed for offences such as charging exorbitant interest rates, harassment, kickbacks and other malpractices. Control of Pawnshops

Similarly, the Pawnbrokers Act is also being revised to allow stricter control over the pawnbroking and financing activities of pawnshops.

Strengthening the Co-operative Movement

Two International Labour Organisation experts have studied the cooperative movement in Singapore. They recommended the re-organisation of the Registry of Co-operative Societies into a Co-operative Development Department, the creation of a Co-operative Training Centre, the training of Registry staff, the revision of the Co-operative Societies Act and Regulations and the establishment of an apex organisation to provide leadership for the co-operative movement. The Ministry is considering these recommendations. Revision of existing legislation providing procedures `for the management and operation of co-operative societies will be implemented soon.

THE FIRE SERVICE

Fire Service Reorganisation

The Singapore Fire Brigade has been reorganised into four area commands. The operational force of the Brigade will be strengthened with the establishment of an Auxiliary Fire Service.

The Ministry is considering legislation to define the duties and responsibilities of the Fire and Accident Ambulance service and provide guidelines for its improvement and development.

Search and Rescue Operations in High-Rise Buildings

The Singapore Fire Brigade will introduce search and rescue operations in high-rise buildings, utilising helicopters. A nucleus of 25 officers and men is now undergoing training for this new service.