HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLATS (Fixing of transparent lift doors)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development and Communications whether the Housing and Development Board will consider fixing transparent doors to lifts in HDB flats as a deterrent against the commission of crimes inside the lifts.

Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, it would be very costly to provide transparent doors for the 3,230 lifts at HDB estates. It is doubtful if transparent doors will deter lift criminals since these criminals are often skilled enough to jam the lift car in between landings.

However, the Board is exploring the possibility of installing a device that will sound the lift alarm bell automatically when anyone attempts to force open the lift car doors in between landings to stop the lift car. This automatic device is a more effective and economical means of deterring criminal activities in lifts.