Extension of Inclusive Business Programme to Industrial Properties Operated by JTC

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Inclusive Business Programme (IBP) to assist persons with disabilities to obtain gainful employment at HDB shop spaces may be extended to industrial properties operated by the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC), particularly those which are located close to HDB housing estates and used to be operated by HDB until 2018 when they were handed to JTC.

The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social and Family Development (Mr Eric Chua) (for the Minister for Social and Family Development): Mr Speaker, under the Inclusive Business Programme (IBP), Housing and Development Board (HDB) directly allocates shop spaces to businesses with at least 20% of their employees who are persons with disabilities.

The Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) will work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and JTC to explore the member's suggestion to extend IBP to industrial properties operated by JTC, as part of our efforts to raise the employment rate for persons with disabilities.

Mr Speaker: Mr Murali Pillai.

Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok): Sir, I am glad that MSF is taking up my suggestion to extend IBP to JTC. One further suggestion is also to consider whether any rental rebates can be given in relation to SMEs who are willing to employ persons with disabilities.

Mr Eric Chua: Mr Speaker, I thank the Member for his suggestion. We will take that into account in our review.