Inspections and enforcement notices for homeowners to remove, rectify or mitigate identified fire hazards within residential units

Question:

Mr Liang Eng Hwa: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether SCDF and relevant agencies, including HDB, will consider carrying out inspections and issuing enforcement notices requiring homeowners to remove, rectify or mitigate identified fire hazards within their units; (b) whether these agencies have adequate powers to intervene where serious fire hazards are identified within residential units; and (c) if not, whether relevant legislation can be reviewed.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will work with relevant agencies to conduct inspections upon receiving feedback on fire hazards within residential units. Examples of such fire hazards include the storage of more than two Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders within the unit, and the obstruction of escape routes for the occupants and neighbouring units during emergencies.

2. Where such fire hazards are identified, SCDF may direct the owner or occupier of the unit to address the hazard and take the necessary steps to prevent its recurrence. Failure to comply is an offence, which carries a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.

3. SCDF will continue to monitor fire hazards within residential units and introduce further legislative or regulatory measures if necessary.