10,000 HDB blocks, multi—storey car parks to be fitted with cameras by end—2016

SINGAPORE: All 10,000 HDB blocks and multi—storey car parks will be fitted with police cameras by the end of 2016.

Second Minister for Home Affairs S Iswaran said such cameras are deployed primarily to deter and solve crime, including cases of loanshark harassment.

Addressing concerns raised by several MPs in Parliament on Thursday, Mr Iswaran said the police is also prepared to share the footage from its cameras with other agencies such as the Land Transport Authority or National Environment Agency to tackle problems such as illegal parking or high—rise littering.

As for community disputes, Mr Iswaran revealed that an inter—agency effort is underway to study how such disputes can be better addressed.

Mr Iswaran said the study covers aspects such as enhancing mediation processes and introducing calibrated penalties for those who persist in their anti—social behaviour.

He said community leaders and residents will need to continue to play their part in encouraging a spirit of "give and take" in dealing with community disputes.

He said a similar approach should also be taken towards the disamenities posed by foreign worker congregations.

Still, the Home Ministry is working with other government agencies to study further restrictions on the sale of alcohol in residential estates and the consumption of alcohol in public.

— CNA/de