CRACKER FIRING OFFENCES (Penalties)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Law (a) if he will state the number of persons caught letting off fire crackers during the Chinese New Year season; (b) how many were fined and what was the fine; (c) in which areas did the cases occur; and (d) whether the Ministry of Home Affairs will consider (i) stiffer measures or penalties to deter the firing of crackers in the Housing and Development Board estates and other densely populated public places; and (ii) amending legislation to impose stiffer deterrent penalties on those selling fireworks or crackers.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs and Community Development (Mr Wong Kan Seng) (for the Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Law): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I reply on behalf of my Minister.

The number of persons arrested by the Police for letting off fire-crackers or other fireworks during the Chinese New Year season was 15. The police also arrested 34 persons for possession of fire-crackers or fireworks.

So far, seven persons have been charged in court for discharge and possession of fire-crackers or fireworks. They were fined between $100 and $800 each. In addition, five persons were caught for selling fire-crackers or fireworks. One was sentenced to three months imprisonment, two to one month imprisonment each, and another was fined $1,000.

The majority of the reported cases occurred in HDB estates. Ang Mo Kio recorded the most number of cases with 34 incidents, followed by Clementi with 17, MacPherson 15, Bukit Merah 15, Yishun 14. Bedok North, Toa Payoh, Whampoa, Ghim Moh and Chai Chee had an average of 10 incidents each. The remaining incidents were thinly spread amongst the smaller HDB estates and other locations.

Police have repeatedly warned the public against firing crackers. During the Chinese New Year period, police patrols were intensified to look out for persons discharging and possessing fire-crackers and fireworks. Further, all entry points int Singapore, especially at the Causeway, were closely watched by the Police, Immigration and Customs officers to pre vent as well as to detect smuggling of fire crackers and other fireworks.

The Dangerous Fireworks Act, 1972, already provides for a fine of not exceeding $5,000 or two years imprisonment, or both fine and imprisonment, for all offences under the Act. There is no provision in the Act which specifically makes the sale of fire-crackers or fireworks an offence. Persons caught selling fire-crackers are charged with possession. If the situation requires, we will consider amending the law to include such a provision in the Act.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, since it is apparent that the letting off of fire-crackers is widespread, particularly in all the housing estates, could the Hon. Minister in-charge assure this House that other measures besides police patrols are in hand to inform or educate the public that such behaviour is not only anti-social but will not do well for the country?

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Yes, I think the point is taken. And if school children, for example, are caught for firing crackers, the school authority will normally take action to counsel the children about the dangers of firing crackers.